Preston, Lancashire, England.
M6, Preston by-pass, Britains first motorway
On 5th December 1958 the Preston by-pass was opened and was Britains first stretch of motorway.
It was part of a planned north-south motorway system that included the spur to Blackpool and was just over 8 miles long, stretching from Bamber Bridge to Broughton. Costing just under £3m.
The opening ceremony was held by Harold MacMillan the Prime Minister. The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mr Harold Watkinson described the motorway as a guinea pig. Sounds nice.
It was announced in 1953 and building started in 1956. The original programme was extended to 2yrs 5months due to incessant rain in 55/56.
At the time the A6 through Preston took the northbound traffic to Blackpool, the Lake District and Glasgow and at peak times huge tailbacks occurred. Particularly during Blackpool illuminations. Even though at that time car ownership was very limited. There were more trains but plenty of coaches and lorries and their acceleration was pitiful.
A booklet was published by the government and is readable in CBRD (Chris's British Road Database) website. > click here.