The hexagonal Pennine Tower restaurant under construction in the Lancaster Forton Services area on the M6 motorway in England, 29th December 1964. Transport Minister Tom Fraser is set to open the latest section of the motorway (linking the Preston and Lancaster bypasses) in January 1965, but works are running behind schedule. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)The hexagonal Pennine Tower restaurant under construction in the Lancaster Forton Services area on the M6 motorway in England, 29th December 1964. Transport Minister Tom Fraser is set to open the latest section of the motorway (linking the Preston and Lancaster bypasses) in January 1965, but works are running behind schedule. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The hexagonal Pennine Tower restaurant under construction in the Lancaster Forton Services area on the M6 motorway in England, 29th December 1964. Transport Minister Tom Fraser is set to open the latest section of the motorway (linking the Preston and Lancaster bypasses) in January 1965, but works are running behind schedule. (Photo by Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | National World

25 fascinating pictures from the 1960s when the M6 was being built between Preston and Birmingham

Claire Lark
By Claire Lark

Nostalgia and Property Writer

Published 28th Oct 2024, 10:25 GMT
Updated 28th Oct 2024, 10:44 GMT

These fascinating pictures show the M6 being built - the stage between Preston and Birmingham and north towards the River Lune

The construction of this section was completed during the 1960s and included the iconic Pennine Tower at Forton Services.

The extensive project was a challenge for engineers, carving landscapes, hilly terrains and densely populated areas. They used innovative techniques such as embankments, bridges and tunnels to deal with varying elevations to ensure a smooth route. It was completed in the 1972 and alleviated congestion on the A6 and A59.

The photos were taken at various points along the construction line, it was a huge accomplishment.

Preston Bypass, Lancashire, 1958. Britain's first motorway under construction. It was opened by Harold MacMillan in December. This is the north end at Broughton where the M55 now joins the M6

25. Building the M6

Preston Bypass, Lancashire, 1958. Britain's first motorway under construction. It was opened by Harold MacMillan in December. This is the north end at Broughton where the M55 now joins the M6 | Getty Images

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