Foundation work on the new Preston bypass around1957. The twin chimneys of Courtaulds red scar works can be seen in the background. It was decided that the carriageway construction should consist of a sub-base of burnt red shale, varying in thickness from 12 to 36 inches depending on ground conditions, followed by a nine inch thick layer of wet mix and a surface of two inch thick tarmacadam base course with a inch thick temporary wearing course of fine cold asphalt. The form of construction of the hard shoulders was to be little more than that of a hardened vergeplaceholder image
Foundation work on the new Preston bypass around1957. The twin chimneys of Courtaulds red scar works can be seen in the background. It was decided that the carriageway construction should consist of a sub-base of burnt red shale, varying in thickness from 12 to 36 inches depending on ground conditions, followed by a nine inch thick layer of wet mix and a surface of two inch thick tarmacadam base course with a inch thick temporary wearing course of fine cold asphalt. The form of construction of the hard shoulders was to be little more than that of a hardened verge

Preston bypass: Here's 10 pictures showing construction of England's very first motorway - the M6

By Naomi Moon
Published 8th Dec 2022, 11:04 GMT
Updated 9th Dec 2022, 12:48 GMT

This week marks the anniversary of the opening the very first motorway in the country.

The road – named locally as the Preston bypass – blazed a trail when it opened in 1958. There was no speed limit, no crash barriers, and no warning signs of danger ahead. The eight-and-a-quarter mile road could be something of a white knuckle ride for intrepid motorists when it was opened to traffic by Prime Minister Harold Macmillan exactly 64 years ago this week. READ MORE: Mystery man seen on roof of Preston’s St George’s Shopping Centre. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Christmas parties past for Preston residents. MORE MEMORIES: Wander through Broadgate in the 80s

Preston bypass seen just prior to opening. It had been decided that lighting was only needed at the Samlesbury Interchange and at the terminal roundabouts. However, towards the end of the construction period, when most of the lighting columns in the Samlesbury interchange had been erected, the Minister of Transport visited and he expressed concern at the effect on the surroundings of the large number of columns in such a small area and immediately ordered their removal

5. Preston bypass

Preston bypass seen just prior to opening. It had been decided that lighting was only needed at the Samlesbury Interchange and at the terminal roundabouts. However, towards the end of the construction period, when most of the lighting columns in the Samlesbury interchange had been erected, the Minister of Transport visited and he expressed concern at the effect on the surroundings of the large number of columns in such a small area and immediately ordered their removal Photo: Preston Digital Archive

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Mr. Metcalf (left) and Mr. Drake (right) at the opening of the M6 - the Preston bypass

6. Preston bypass

Mr. Metcalf (left) and Mr. Drake (right) at the opening of the M6 - the Preston bypass Photo: Preston Digital Archive

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Signs are unveiled for Britain's first stretch of motorway, to be opened by the Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan. Macmillan called the eight-mile Preston bypass in Lancashire the symbol of the opening of a new era of motor travel in the United Kingdom

7. Preston bypass

Signs are unveiled for Britain's first stretch of motorway, to be opened by the Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan. Macmillan called the eight-mile Preston bypass in Lancashire the symbol of the opening of a new era of motor travel in the United Kingdom Photo: Archive

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Opening of the Preston bypass - now M6. The gentleman is Dr Charles Hill from Talbot Archives

8. Preston bypass

Opening of the Preston bypass - now M6. The gentleman is Dr Charles Hill from Talbot Archives Photo: Talbot Archives

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