Britain's biggest mobile crane is being brought in to pick up and then gently lower into place a massive 350-tonne bridge over Shoreditch High Street. The bridge will carry the East London Railway over the busy City thoroughfare, when work to extend the line is complete.

The full operation to secure the bridge in position will last the whole weekend.

The East London Railway will be part of TfL's London Overground network when it opens in early 2010 running from Dalston Junction in the north to West Croydon in the south, connecting Hackney to the tube network for the first time.

More than £1bn is being invested in the railway, which will transform the transport network connections in east London, and involve the building of brand new stations at Shoreditch High Street, Hoxton, Haggerston and Dalston Junction.
 
The spectacular bow-string bridge, so-called because it's shaped like a massive archer's bow, was constructed just yards from where it will be manoeuvred into position.

TfL project manager Barrie Noble, who is overseeing the bridge construction, said: "I've been in this business a good many years and have led a fair few extraordinary projects, but lifting this bridge in really will be something to behold.”

Adam Stuart, construction director for contractors Balfour Beatty Carillion, added: "We are very pleased to be an integral part of a project that will bring something of a visual wonder to the East End.

"This bridge will be an extraordinary sight, both going in and for many many years once it's in place."