Spectacular time-lapse footage has captured a 565-tonne bridge being inched into place in South Norwood while trains speed underneath.

The film, released by Network Rail, shows a major operation to edge the £10m bridge in Tennison Road, South Norwood, into place without disrupting trains.

Work began in June to replace the previous road bridge, which crosses 10 lines and has been in place since 1922, with a wider and stronger structure.

The main frame of new bridge, which will open in spring next year, was launched into place using a hydraulic jack over several days from December 6.

It is the first time Network Rail has installed a bridge without shutting the lines below.

Network Rail's scheme project manager, Shane O'Connor, said: "A combination of technology and engineering expertise meant we could keep trains and passengers moving while we the bridge was launched across the tracks.

"This is the first time we’ve worked in this way – in the past the only way would have involved a complete closure of the railway, which would have caused huge disruption.

"It's a great step forward for passengers and it's also a big leap forward for Croydon, as it will soon have a much improved bridge with extended paths and a wider road."

The long-term closure of the bridge, which spans lines running from East Croydon to London Bridge, had been predicted to cause "bedlam". 

But Coun Kathy Bee, Croydon Council’s cabinet member for transport, said: "From local residents and commuters to football fans going to watch Crystal Palace play nearby, people in the borough will find it easier to get around when this new and wider bridge opens next spring because it will take more traffic and need fewer repairs."

The new bridge, which is being installed by contractor Graham Construction, will have wider footpaths and carriageways.