The Secret Life of Motorways, BBC4

[Karl Bough]

The third part of The Secret Life of Motorways is on tonight. Has anyone else seen this? A similar documentary could have been made for railway electrification, as the building of motorways and the electrification of the WCML started at about the same time in the late 1950s.

On the first programme on Tuesday, there was colour film footage of the opening of the M6 Preston Bypass in December 1958 and the first section of the M1 between St. Albans and Rugby in November 1959. I was wondering if there was any similar footage of electrification work from this era?

 

[rail-britain]

There are mentions of the railway within some episodes of this program
Mr Beeching makes a few appearances, followed by Barbara Castle
Some good overhead shots of Class 86s with Mk2c stock on the WCML too!

 

[Nick W]

Very interesting programme it was. Lots of key issues.

 

[Guinness]

Watched the 1st and 3rd Episodes. Very good.

 

[Nick]

I think the first was the best....the others didnt quite match it as good, interesting to see how the 70mph preliminary speed limit has never been adjusted since being implemented on a 'preliminary basis'.....hmmmm.