WATCH: Tel Aviv’s landmark Maariv bridge is demolished

Tel Aviv’s central Maariv overpass was demolished Friday morning in a controlled detonation to make way for construction of the light rail.

The destruction of the 39-year-old bridge, situated at a major junction in central Tel Aviv, snarled automobile traffic in an already congested city.

Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz pushed the detonation button at 6 a.m.

“The demolition symbolizes hope and renewal,” Katz said. “We are building a new life artery for the city and the whole metropolis and realizing a vision more than 100 years in the making,” he added.

“From now, there is no way back until we hear the horns of the trains. I hope and I am certain that pressing this button now, not an easy or simple thing, after more than 60 years of plans that went unfulfilled, will make life easier in this city and, as a result, in the country,” Katz said.

The transportation minister added that he was aware of the criticism against the planned roadworks — especially by nearby business owners who stand to lose clients due to the changes — but said that “when the dust settles from detonating the bridge and the dust settles from finishing the works in a few years, the biggest skeptics will understand that the decision I made, to go against the flow and move forward with the project, was the right one for Gush Dan and for all of Israel.”

For those interested in watching the detonation, the police set up special areas to watch safely as the bridge was brought down.

Construction of the long-awaited subway system began earlier this month, with large traffic complications expected as major areas of the city are torn up to build stations and dig tunnels.

Police are urging travelers to take public transportation instead of cars to help alleviate traffic during construction, which is projected to be completed in 2021.