Rights Managed > Historic England > Industry > Engineering and Construction > Building Motorways > M6 Motorway
M6 construction Madeley Heath JLP01_01_165_12
Filename: jlp01_01_165_12.jpg
Size: 7034 x 5447 (5.4MB)
Date: 22nd November 2021
Source: Historic England
Credit: A© Historic England Archive. Joh
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: https://images.historicenglandservices.org.uk/
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
M6 construction Madeley Heath JLP01_01_165_12
M6 Motorway, M6, Madeley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. A view of the construction of the Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6), looking north-west at Waltons Wood near Madeley Heath.
The work on the Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6), between junctions J13 to J16 started in June 1960 and was carried out by John Laing Construction Ltd. This section at Waltons Wood presented geological problems for the construction team with an embankment failing when severe slipping occurred in 1961. By October 1963, remedial works on the embankment were completed
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24091719
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Construction Motorway Road
EDITORS COMMENTS
Step back in time to the 1960s and witness the construction of a major motorway milestone - the M6 Motorway, specifically at Waltons Wood near Madeley Heath. This striking print captures the momentous occasion when engineers from John Laing Construction Ltd worked tirelessly to build this crucial section of road between junctions J13 to J16.
As you gaze upon this historic image, notice the sheer scale of the construction site, with earthmoving machinery and workers laboring away amidst a sea of mud and debris. The embankment's steep incline is particularly noteworthy, as it was here that severe slipping occurred in 1961, presenting significant challenges for the construction team.
Fast forward to October 1963, and see how remedial works on the embankment were successfully completed. This remarkable achievement marked a major milestone in Britain's post-war infrastructure development. Today, this iconic motorway remains an essential artery connecting Birmingham to Preston.
This photograph not only showcases engineering prowess but also serves as a testament to human perseverance and determination. Let us marvel at these vintage images from Historic England Archive as we reflect on our nation's rich industrial heritage.
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