M6 at 60 in pictures: The impressive numbers behind the construction of Preston Bypass

By The Newsroom

Published 28th Feb 2019, 14:03 GMT

60 years ago it was hailed as the flagship scheme for a new era of road-building, today it's a fundamental part of everyday life in Lancashire.

Here are the impressive numbers behind the construction of the Preston Bypass.

Preston Bypass

placeholder image — Preston Bypass

When the M6 opened in 1958 there was no central reservation and no speed limits

placeholder image — When the M6 opened in 1958 there was no central reservation and no speed limits

Each bridge was designed differently and painted in different colours to try and make sure drivers did not get bored and nod off.

placeholder image — Each bridge was designed differently and painted in different colours to try and make sure drivers did not get bored and nod off.

The men behind the project. Pictured left, Harry Yeadon, right, James Drake

placeholder image — The men behind the project. Pictured left, Harry Yeadon, right, James Drake

Pictured is the view looking south from the base of Red Scar towards the Samlesbury interchange

placeholder image — Pictured is the view looking south from the base of Red Scar towards the Samlesbury interchange

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