STEEL tendons in the Chislehurst Road bridge are being cut out to make way for the replacement structure.

A ballistic wall has been put in place to protect workers and the railway below by preventing the tendons from "shooting out" should they break during the cutting operation, due to the huge forces involved when the tensions are cut.

The bridge closed for 12 months in November last year and is expected to reopen on schedule.

Portfolio holder for environment Councillor Colin Smith said: "This is a critical phase for the project and is potentially a very difficult technical period for our contractor.

"Hochtief nevertheless remain confident that the complete demolition and rebuild involved in this challenging project remain on schedule.

"The steel tendons which risked the bridge collapsing, necessitating its replacement, are now being cut up and removed to make way for the new bridge structure.

"We will of course continue keeping residents and motorists up to date with project progress."