Which motorway in the UK was built first?


Which motorway in the UK was built first? Britain's first motorway, the Preston by-pass, opened in 1958. Designed by Lancashire County Council under civil engineer Sir James Drake – regarded as the pioneer of the UK motorway network – it's now part of the M6. The next 10 years saw UK's network expand as hundreds of miles of motorway were built.


What is the shortest motorway in the UK?

Somewhere to the east of Glasgow lies the A8(M) - but look carefully, because it's not easy to find. The A8(M) is the UK's shortest motorway, running for just over 280 metres (308 yards). It forms a link between two roundabouts at Baillieston Interchange, better known as the junction between the M8 and M73.


What is the oldest motorway in the world?

Historical map of the original A8-A9 motorway, Italy. The first motorway ever built in the world was opened on 21 September 1924.


Why is there no M10 motorway?

In later years, as the M1 was extended southwards into London and the M25 was built, the M10's original purpose eroded. It was sometimes suggested that the motorway might have been extended to meet the M25 at junction 22, but this was never proposed.


When was the first British motorway?

Britain's first motorway, the Preston by-pass, opened in 1958. Designed by Lancashire County Council under civil engineer Sir James Drake – regarded as the pioneer of the UK motorway network – it's now part of the M6. The next 10 years saw UK's network expand as hundreds of miles of motorway were built.


Why is there no M7?

There is no M7 because there has never been a need to replace the A7 with a motorway. There was an idea in the 1990s to build a new toll road linking Edinburgh and the A74 (M), along the lines of the A702, and the idea was floated that this could take the M7 number.