Army disposal experts have blown up a World War Two bomb that was found next to one of the busiest roads in the West Midlands.
The discovery of the 250kg (551lb) bomb forced the closure of the Aston Expressway, which links Birmingham city centre with the M6 as well as the motorway itself (READ EARLIER REPORT).
A huge superstructure of sand bags was placed around the bomb before it was destroyed in a controlled explosion at about 3.45pm.
A video shared by West Midlands Ambulance Service showed sand and debris flying into the air.
The device was found on a construction site on the Priory Road Industrial Estate in Aston, about 100 metres from the busy Aston Expressway, on Monday.
This led to serious travel disruption on Monday and during Tuesday's morning rush hour as major road and rail links were shut down at the urging of bomb disposal experts.
Police closed the M6 in both directions from junctions four to seven, increasing the delays experienced by motorists across the city.
West Midland Police's Chief Superintendent Chris Johnson tweeted: "M6 now reopened following successful controlled explosion. A38 remains closed but working to reopen ASAP. Thank you for support."
Sergeant Paul Daniel of 721 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Squadron added: "This was the largest disposal of a device in situ in recent history and was particularly challenging due to its badly corroded state and the amount of sensitive infrastructure in the area.
"Our top priority was to safely secure the site before carrying out a controlled explosion. We are pleased this has gone well and that the public can now return to their homes and the roads surrounding the area."
The A5127 Lichfield Road between Grosvenor Road and Cuckoo Road and all entry and exit slip roads at Junction 6 of the M6 were also closed.
Highways England had "strongly urged" road users to consider alternative routes, and to allow additional time for their journeys.
London Midland had said all rail services between Birmingham New Street and Lichfield, Staffordshire, were cancelled.
Hundreds of homes and businesses within a 500-metre area were evacuated.
The Red Cross were called in to help as about 80 people were forced to spend Monday night away from their homes.
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