Manchester Airport says that work to provide a third platform at its railway station is proceeding ahead of schedule.

Network Rail and construction company Carillion say that they have completed a new £15m ($29.8m) road-over-rail bridge at the airport ahead of time, as well as reopening Outwood Lane, which leads to and from Terminals 1 and 3.

The concrete bridge has been built alongside the existing station at the airport and is designed to relieve congestion.

“Completing this section of the project five days early means no more delays to passengers travelling by road to and from the airport,” said Network Rail route director Peter Strachan.

“Careful project planning and close liaison between us and our contractor has paid dividends.”

Outwood Lane passes over the ends of the station platforms, meaning an additional bridge section had to be built. The new bridge, shaped like an upside down U, was constructed using poured concrete and then raised on a 64-wheel transporter before being rolled into place.

“We are very pleased to be able to open Outwood Lane early, causing passengers the minimum amount of disruption.”