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Excavation JLP01_01_172_067
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Excavation JLP01_01_172_067
M6 Motorway, M6, Stafford, Stafford, Staffordshire. A view of the construction of the Stafford By-pass on the Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6), looking north across Rising Brook towards the Highfields Farm access bridge and showing Laing excavators and a bulldozer carrying out peat removal.
In the album, the typed caption below the photograph reads Looking north across Rising Brook where large pocket of peat (50, 000 cu.yds) is being removed and replaced with clay backfill prior to the motorway embankment being constructed. Background shows Highfields Farm access bridge, which is virtually complete. The work on the Stafford By-pass started in June 1960 and was opened to traffic in August 1962
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24091733
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Civil Engineering Construction Excavation Machinery Motorway Road
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print takes us back to the 1960s, showcasing the construction of the Stafford By-pass on the M6 Motorway in Staffordshire. The image captures a pivotal moment in civil engineering history as Laing excavators and a bulldozer diligently remove peat from Rising Brook, making way for the motorway embankment. The typed caption below provides valuable context, informing us that this particular section required the removal of an impressive 50,000 cubic yards of peat. This massive undertaking was followed by replacing it with clay backfill before constructing the embankment itself. In the background stands Highfields Farm access bridge, nearly completed at this stage. The significance of this project becomes apparent when we learn that work on the Stafford By-pass commenced in June 1960 and successfully opened to traffic just two years later in August 1962. This photograph serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in overcoming challenges posed by nature's obstacles during large-scale infrastructure development. Preserved within Historic England Archive, this image not only showcases remarkable machinery but also highlights how far our road networks have come since then. It reminds us of our constant pursuit for progress and improvement while honoring those who played a crucial role in shaping our modern transportation systems.
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