Toby's Roads http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/ 42 rows en-gb 60 Miscellany 2009 http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c1714931.html Various photos taken in 2009. Thursday 1 January 2009: Various photos taken in 2009.

Backwards roundabout Old weight limit

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]]> Thu Jan 1 2009 Newbiggin Bridge, restored http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c1637515.html The new bridge over the River Petteril Saturday 27 December 2008: The new bridge over the River Petteril

New bridge New bridge, from the side

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]]> Sat Dec 27 2008 Miscellany 2007 http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c1206284.html Miscellaneous pictures taken during 2007. Monday 1 January 2007: Miscellaneous pictures taken during 2007.

Erskine Bridge at night Bealach na Ba M60 j26 Bredbury interchange

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]]> Mon Jan 1 2007 A167(M) motorway prohibition signs http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c1033473.html A trio of "NO" signs, some of the very few remaining in Britain in the 21st century. Saturday 22 July 2006: A trio of "NO" signs, some of the very few remaining in Britain in the 21st century.

A trio of motorway prohibition signs at the north end of A167(M) Examining the patch - does the sign date from A1(M) days? Two Sabristi flank the entry slip restrictions The two Close-up of faded, peeling

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]]> Sat Jul 22 2006 Cambridge American Cemetery http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c998225.html The road-related interest in the American Cemetery, just outside Cambridge, lies with its old-style signposting - presumably original to its establishment immediately after WWII. Wednesday 21 June 2006: The road-related interest in the American Cemetery, just outside Cambridge, lies with its old-style signposting - presumably original to its establishment immediately after WWII.

Entrance sign First one after leaving the road Start of the car park area Exit sign No entry at this (exit) end

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]]> Wed Jun 21 2006 Miscellany 2004 http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c989645.html Unthemed collections of pictures taken during 2004. Thursday 1 January 2004: Unthemed collections of pictures taken during 2004.

A66 Kirby Thore, showing old alignment for railway bridge C32 sign north of Hawes C32 Brunt Acres Road (SD876909) A40 Monmouth tunnel Ford on B6278 at Stanhope M6 on a quiet morning A80 railway overbridge near Cumbernauld Lots of lanes - A1/M1 split at Hook Moor M25 junction 21 M25 threaded through the existing railway bridge Footbridge, Billingshurst bypass New northbound M606 terminus U-turn provision on A650 in Bradford River Skell ford in Ripon Beamsley Bank climbing lane

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]]> Thu Jan 1 2004 Miscellany 2005 http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c989642.html Unthemed collections of pictures taken in 2005 Saturday 1 January 2005: Unthemed collections of pictures taken in 2005

A465 viaduct from Pontneddfechan A465 viaduct from Pontneddfechan D2-sized overbridge at A465 Hirwaun bypass in south Wales Looking down the Vale of Ewyas from the Gospel Pass North side of Gospel Pass snakes down the slope of Hay Bluff A1 s/b exit slip at Cromwell Six-span overbridge at Woolley Edge service area Snow A farm shop's novelty countdown markers, A65 Clapham bypass Unusual restriction at Kimbolton: No Car Transporters (except under 13m long) Here's where an overhanging front could cause problems Close-up of Kimbolton's corner Maintaining the flow - Wolverhampton's Urban Traffic Control Centre Striped signal poles in Wolverhampton A6 northbound passes under WCML north of Carnforth A narrow rollercoaster: A814 southbound along Loch Long A814 Clydeside Expressway approaching A739 for Clyde Tunnel, eastbound Underneath M8 Kingston Bridge Two-level interchange at Cambourne on A428 Equestrian crossing on Cambourne slip-road Diverted river by A87 in Glen Shiel A line of catseyes shows the former route of the Colsterworth bypass Rural one-way: Sandy Bank near Ferrensby and Farnham Former A1, looking south from Ox Close Lane Former A1, looking north from Ox Close Lane Manually-operated level crossing between Grassthorpe and Weston Newbiggin Old Bridge in Cumbria Newbiggin Old Bridge Abnormal load on Newmarket Road, Cambridge A505 Royston bypass Passing through M25 junction 21

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]]> Sat Jan 1 2005 Miscellany 2006 http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c989640.html Miscellaneous pictures taken during 2006. Sunday 1 January 2006: Miscellaneous pictures taken during 2006.

New(ish) north/west slips at Lofthouse Interchange The unusual roundabout piers at Lofthouse Interchange A rough dead-end road A leafy lane near Arncliffe NO passing places (near Kilnsey) Pre-warboys signs in Threshfield M62 Junction 27 M62 Junction 27

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]]> Sun Jan 1 2006 Old signs http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c982946.html Signs that have survived long after they ceased to be up-to-date. Friday 6 June 2003: Signs that have survived long after they ceased to be up-to-date.

Miles-and-furlongs fingerpost, Kirkby Stephen Pre-Worboys direction sign Direction sign in context Pre-Worboys route confirmation sign Very old fingerpost Old finger-post A tired-looking West Sussex fingerpost This one looks a little tired! A well-maintained West Sussex fingerpost Well-maintained wooden fingerpost between Waterbeach and Cottenham, Cambs A5 milestone near Llyn Ogwen A mix of old and new - a cast fingerpost with modern tourist brown paint B5289 fingerpost at Grange in Borrowdale A pre-Worboys warning sign spread between two posts (A57 Mottram Road, Hyde - near Traveller's Rest pub) Warning triangle now decorates a camera sign The Pre-Worboys A687/A65 sign near Ingleton Close-up of old A687 sign Old direction sign on St. James' Street, Wetherby Old building-mounted sign in Bourne, Lincs Old village sign at Cromwell, half a century after this bit of A1 was bypassed Long-distance fingerpost on Boroughbridge Road, Knaresborough Pre-Worboys dual-carriageway sign south of High Hesket

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]]> Fri Jun 6 2003 Skye Bridge http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c976764.html Drochaid an t-Eilean Sgitheanach, connecting Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland with Kyleakin on the island. Friday 21 April 2006: Drochaid an t-Eilean Sgitheanach, connecting Kyle of Lochalsh on the mainland with Kyleakin on the island.

Approach bridge seen from Kyleakin End of the road: the old slipway Eastern aspect, from Kyleakin View from almost underneath View from the southwest Southern approach road, with bilingual signage Kyleakin from the bridge Looking towards the Applecross hills from the top of the bridge The former toll plaza

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]]> Fri Apr 21 2006 Lane-guidance signs at A14 Girton Interchange http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c891909.html New overhead signs mounted to Girton Road overbridge. Thursday 9 March 2006: New overhead signs mounted to Girton Road overbridge.

Heading west from Junction 32 (Histon) Lay-by on the left, and new signs on the Girton Road overbridge New signs on the overbridge Lane guidance

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]]> Thu Mar 9 2006 Bilingual (English/Gàidhlig) signs at Shiel Bridge http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c623181.html Though bilingual signs have been common on the islands for quite a while, they have only recently been introduced on the mainland. On of the first routes to get them is A87 between Kyle of Lochalsh and the Great Glen. Thursday 7 July 2005: Though bilingual signs have been common on the islands for quite a while, they have only recently been introduced on the mainland. On of the first routes to get them is A87 between Kyle of Lochalsh and the Great Glen.

Primary Non-primary Primary route-confirmation sign Advance sign for non-primary route from primary

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]]> Thu Jul 7 2005 Fairburn http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c588893.html The former A1 through Fairburn is now bypassed by the new motorway to the east. Here's a handful of pictures showing what's happening to the old road in the village. Monday 20 June 2005: The former A1 through Fairburn is now bypassed by the new motorway to the east. Here's a handful of pictures showing what's happening to the old road in the village.

Former A1 footbridge at Fairburn Destruction of the old A1 carriageway at Fairburn Destruction of the old A1 carriageway South of Fairburn near the A1(M) overbridge

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]]> Mon Jun 20 2005 Deformable sign post http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c588835.html Deformable posts have become very common on trunk routes recently. I found one that had been damaged in a collision, and it's instructive to see how it has fared. Obviously, not knowing anything of the nature or severity of impact, we shouldn't over-generalise from what we see here. Monday 20 June 2005: Deformable posts have become very common on trunk routes recently. I found one that had been damaged in a collision, and it's instructive to see how it has fared. Obviously, not knowing anything of the nature or severity of impact, we shouldn't over-generalise from what we see here.

Bent sign support after an impact Side view, showing the other (undamaged) support Damage at the base of the post

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]]> Mon Jun 20 2005 Coulport military road http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c527101.html Built by the MOD as a land route to Coulport naval base on Loch Long, this road is now open to the public, though subject to its own bylaws (enforced by MOD police). Because I was driving toward the afternoon sun, many of these are somewhat marred by reflections of the dashboard - sorry about that. Monday 2 May 2005: Built by the MOD as a land route to Coulport naval base on Loch Long, this road is now open to the public, though subject to its own bylaws (enforced by MOD police). Because I was driving toward the afternoon sun, many of these are somewhat marred by reflections of the dashboard - sorry about that.

The route begins at Wistlefield, at this roundabout with a gated through-route This sign informs us that it's MOD property and law enforcement is by military police Junction ahead The junction is an access to some MOD property In cutting The top of the initial ascent (approx 140m altitude) Coming around the side of Cnoc na h-Airigh, we catch a glimpse of Gare Loch on the left Blind summit warning A long stretch of double white lines White lines end ahead; Maol Riabhach beyond Escape lane ¼ mile Start of the descent to Loch Long End of double white lines Gravel trap Approaching the terminal roundabout for B833 Left for Kilcreggan B833; ahead for RNAD Coulport End of Clearway Old milepost on B833 a few yards from the end of the military road

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]]> Mon May 2 2005 M77 Glasgow to Fenwick http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c526711.html A virtual tour of the entire southbound M77, including J5-8 which opened in early 2005. Monday 2 May 2005: A virtual tour of the entire southbound M77, including J5-8 which opened in early 2005.

Entering M8 at Junction 20 On the outer carriageway of M8; gantry for M77 in front On the outer carriageway, heading into the sun :-( Junction 21 on-slip enters where Junction 20's countdown markers begin - good job the outer carriageway is much quieter than the inner one! Junction 22 gantry; Lane 1 for M77 Kilmarnock & Prestwick Airport; Lanes 2-3 for M8 Glasgow Airport & Greenock Junction 20: outer exit slip rising to meet inner exit slip Down to one lane to merge with traffic from the inner carriageway exit A short, unforgiving merge onto M77 mainline A short trench takes us under Nithsdale Road in Dumbreck Junction 1 appears almost before we know it - B768 P'shields, Mosspark; mainline is K'marnock M77 (A77), Prestwick Airport Route confirmation sign: M77 (A77), Barrhead 5, Kilmarnock 18, P'wick Airport 28, Ayr 32, Stranraer 82 Skirting the edge of Pollok Country Park, we approach Junction 2: B762 P'shaws, Barrhead Alongside Pollok park Gantry sign and accommodation overbridge for Corkerhill Crossing White Cart Water by Pollok Country Park Junction 2 B762 overbridge at J2 - no hard shoulder for 350 yards Junction 3: A726 Paisley, East Kilbride Junction 3 on-slip and a route-confirmation: M77 (A77), Kilmarnock 15, P'wick Airport 25, Ayr 29, Stranraer 79 Superelevated curve near Patterton Junction 4 ½-mile ADS: N'Mearns, Stewarton, (B769) Climbing lane ends at the top of the hill Junction 4 Alongside B765 near Newton Mearns Near Newton Mearns Nearing the end of the 1996 section Passing Malletsheugh, and a sign for the new off-slip at J5: East Kilbride, Eaglesham, A726, Newton Mearns, A77 J5 ½-mile ADS and a VMS: VMS again, and J5 on-slip in the distance This lane-merge diagram needs Lane 2 uncovering now the works are complete Junction 5, and the end of the 50 limit Junction 5 Passing through Junction 5 on the new road Junction 5 s/b on-slip We finally leave the urban area and get a proper rural 70mph limit New D2M crosses over the old A77 Rural motorway Rural motorway We are getting into hill country here These sweeping curves are a pleasure to drive A glance down at the old A77 Free-flowing conditions on the motorway - but imagine all this traffic on a single carriageway... Alongside A77, with accommodation bridge for Floak Leaving East Renfrewshire Passing under Floak accommodation bridge, and a first glimpse of Junction 6 ADS Junction 6 1-mile ADS: Galston, A77 This moorland motorway reminds me of A74(M)

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]]> Mon May 2 2005 A650 Bingley Relief Road http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c516396.html The long-awaited bypass of Bingley opened in December 2003. This is a virtual tour along the new road. Sunday 10 April 2005: The long-awaited bypass of Bingley opened in December 2003. This is a virtual tour along the new road.

New roundabout at the Cottingley end At the start of the route On the Cottingley viaduct On the north side of the viaduct Half-mile ADS, with Dowley Gap Lane overbridge behind Before we've left the shadow of Dowley Gap Lane, here's the railway The 'elevated section' where we cross Bingley South Bog Ferncliffe Road junction - the short slip-roads explain the 50mph limit Ferncliffe Road junction Under Ferncliffe Road; footbridge beyond Pretty footbridge Very short on-slip for Ferncliffe Road From here, we see just how short that on-slip is Park Road overbridge Leaving Bingley; the footbridge spans rail, road and canal The nearest we come to open countryside, between Bingley and Crossflatts Approaching Crossflatts, threaded between railway and houses The old A650 Keighley Road overbridge, Crossflatts Crossflatts Nearing the end - a final layby and the Bradford and Bingley Building Society office building Actually, it's not a layby, but an emergency refuge - no-waiting lines all along Final sign for the terminal roundabout, where we join the older part of the route And the roundabout itself, the end of our tour

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]]> Sun Apr 10 2005 A1(M) Hook Moor to Fairburn http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c471002.html A sneak preview of England's newest motorway. Wednesday 16 March 2005: A sneak preview of England's newest motorway.

Hook Moor Hook Moor Start of hard-shoulder running Northbound carriageway tie-in works Full-width gantry on Micklefield bypass In the cutting near Micklefield Micklefield bypass Micklefield bypass Another full-width gantry near Micklefield South of Micklefield Separate north and south gantries here Approaching Boot & Shoe - existing A63/A1 overbridge visible in distance Near Boot & Shoe Boot & Shoe area Boot & Shoe cutting Junction 42 ADS: Under Westfield Lane bridge Getting nearer to Junction 42 Half-mile ADS for Junction 42 Approaching Junction 42 Junction 42 Junction 42 Junction 42 (A63) overbridge Junction 42 southbound on-slip South of J42 South of J42 South of J42, including the back of northbound gantry signs Route confirmation sign: Ferrybridge power station comes into view Advertisers have already moved in alongside Rawfield Lane accommodation bridge (I think) Near Fairburn Near Fairburn Approaching the temporary connection to existing A1 Temporary A1 connection, showing how northbound will later be routed during construction The temporary link On the temporary link Rejoining existing A1 Rejoining existing A1 Rejoining existing carriageway Rejoining main carriageway Shifting back to existing lanes Reaching the end of works End of roadworks

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]]> Wed Mar 16 2005 Clerk Maxwell Road, Cambridge http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c450900.html This small road was built in the 1990s along a line that had earlier been earmarked for a western trunk road link (before the M11 was proposed). It looks hugely over-engineered for its present use (two little culs-des-sacs) but will probably one day be the backbone of the University's West Cambridge site. Saturday 12 February 2005: This small road was built in the 1990s along a line that had earlier been earmarked for a western trunk road link (before the M11 was proposed). It looks hugely over-engineered for its present use (two little culs-des-sacs) but will probably one day be the backbone of the University's West Cambridge site.

From Madingley Road (A1303, former A45), Clerk Maxwell Road looks like a very ordinary side-street It's wide and straight, appearing to lead somewhere Despite very low traffic levels, it gets its own segregated footway From partway down, looking back towards Madingley Road Minimal traffic makes it a favourite amongst driving instructors End of the (motor) road Perry Court appears to have provision for extension Beyond the concrete Terminating at the Cambridge-Coton cyclepath

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]]> Sat Feb 12 2005 Coldhams Road cycle bridge http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c448781.html Cycle bridge constructed alongside the (dangerously narrow) road bridge during 2004. Saturday 12 February 2005: Cycle bridge constructed alongside the (dangerously narrow) road bridge during 2004.

New sign at the Cromwell Road junction on Coldhams Lane New cycle/footway Looking up the bridge Other side of the bridge The right way for an off-road cyclepath to re-join the carriageway

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]]> Sat Feb 12 2005 A load of bollards http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c448772.html How do I tell thee to Keep Left? Let me count the ways... Monday 14 February 2005: How do I tell thee to Keep Left? Let me count the ways...

Here's your (almost) bog-standard square-post bollard Often found in pairs, such as these two guarding a traffic island Sometimes they spring up in great forests of posts These large round ones often adorn roundabouts, but also sometimes T-junctions such as this Two designs that are common in Bradford (and elsewhere in Yorkshire) Pivot-based bollards, introduced in the mid-2000s, are often used in locations especially vulnerable to collision Resilient (but attractive) posts in Fenstanton

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]]> Mon Feb 14 2005 B1224 York Road Link http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c410399.html As part of the Wetherby-Walshford upgrade of A1 to motorway, a link from the motorway was built to connect it to York Road near the Wetherby Racecourse. Friday 14 January 2005: As part of the Wetherby-Walshford upgrade of A1 to motorway, a link from the motorway was built to connect it to York Road near the Wetherby Racecourse.

Leaving A1(M) - and two lanes of queueing traffic Southbound off-slip No prizes for guessing what's under the grey paint! Roundabout exit B1224 eastbound Eastbound on York Road Link Eastbound on York Road Link Eastbound on York Road Link Temporary traffic control Approching the roundabout with the existing York Road Racecourse roundabout The end - Racecourse roundabout Nicely-decorated fingerpost at Llanvihangel Crucorney in Monmouthshire

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]]> Fri Jan 14 2005 Elkesley http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c390622.html The old Sheffield to Lincoln road (then A57, now multiplexed with A1) used to pass through Elkesley. It's not clear when the village was bypassed. Saturday 20 November 2004: The old Sheffield to Lincoln road (then A57, now multiplexed with A1) used to pass through Elkesley. It's not clear when the village was bypassed.

Entering Elkesley Start of 30 limit Turning the corner on Twyford Lane The start of High Street - with apologies for the state of the windscreen High Street - the old coach road Passing the village church High Street High Street Still on the old road - much quieter than the A1 bypass! Reaching the end of Elkesley Leaving Elkesley - turn right ahead to rejoin A1 To rejoin A1, you need to spot this tiny sign Rejoining A1 - lots of signs!

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]]> Sat Nov 20 2004 Colsterworth http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c390618.html The old Great North Road through Colsterworth. The village was bypassed in the 1920s, and prior to that this was the main route between London and the North. Saturday 20 November 2004: The old Great North Road through Colsterworth. The village was bypassed in the 1920s, and prior to that this was the main route between London and the North.

Leaving the modern A1 Start of the road End of Clearway regulations North Witham turn North Witham ½ mile South of Colsterworth South of Colsterworth Approaching Colsterworth Entering Colsterworth Stanby Road crossroads in Colsterworth Colsterworth Colsterworth Colsterworth Colsterworth In Colsterworth Northern end of Colsterworth Leaving Colsterworth Skillington turn Weight restriction fingerpost The old railway bridge Approaching the A1 A1/B6403 crossroads

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]]> Sat Nov 20 2004 Cattal Bridge http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c351340.html Bridge over the River Nidd at Cattal. Saturday 20 November 2004: Bridge over the River Nidd at Cattal.

A forest of signs, south of the bridge Crossing the Nidd at Cattal bridge On Cattal Bridge, heading north

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]]> Sat Nov 20 2004 A1(M) construction in Yorkshire http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c351333.html A minor update of last year's pictures of the Darrington to Dishforth project. Saturday 20 November 2004: A minor update of last year's pictures of the Darrington to Dishforth project.

New motorway fork at Darrington Darrington Fork overbridge A glimpse of the new road near Fairburn A63 ½-mile ADS New dumbell roundabouts on A63 New motorway at Wetherby York Road Link, from the new B1224 roundabout New motorway at Walshford

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]]> Sat Nov 20 2004 Rings around London http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c335913.html Where where London's Ringways intended to go? The answer to this question depends on the time period in question, so I've taken the 1944 proposals and overlaid them onto a modern map. The colours were hard to distinguish; I've made the D Ring and the arterials outside of it blue, and the Parkways green-and-red - the rest are my imagination. Monday 8 November 2004: Where where London's Ringways intended to go? The answer to this question depends on the time period in question, so I've taken the 1944 proposals and overlaid them onto a modern map. The colours were hard to distinguish; I've made the D Ring and the arterials outside of it blue, and the Parkways green-and-red - the rest are my imagination.

Abercrombie rings from 1944 Greater London Plan, superimposed on today's roads

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]]> Mon Nov 8 2004 Signs http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c332018.html Various signs of differing ages. (I need to sort these, really) Thursday 4 November 2004: Various signs of differing ages. (I need to sort these, really)

Primary B6261 near Shap A1(M) junction 8 A1(M) junction 8 Bad sign - Flood as Give-Way! Bad sign - M11 in Motorway Permanent Weight restriction on A685 Kirkby Stephen Weight restriction detail Unusual advance direction sign Flyover ADS on A1 near Cowthorpe Beware of Dangerous Toads Start of motorway regulations at Barton Internally-illuminated C119 sign at Runfold (close-up) C119 sign at Runfold (in context) Unusual exit sign on A1 at Catterick. Symbols save room on signs - particularly bilingual ones Bilingual Wesh/English Give Way sign Long-distance milestone Proofreader wanted... Non-standard The only sign I know to mention A1126 (B1044 Stukely Road) No left turn on the right - why would you, anyway? Unusual lane-guidance sign Lots of lanes - A45 Coventry bypass No Explosives sign on A739 Clyde Tunnel approach Overhead lane-direction signs near Ferrybridge Interchange Overhead lane-direction signs near Ferrybridge, with Motorway Permanent Butterfly gore sign at Ferrybridge Interchange Seaton Burn floppy C368 sign near Seaton Burn C368 road marking Start of A1 Special Road near Dunbar Pedestrian Zone sign, Cambridge A very specific prohibition Riverside warning on A10 north of Littleport Two yellow-backed signs

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]]> Thu Nov 4 2004 Westway http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c331336.html The former A40(M) elevated road in Paddington, London. And some of the former M41. Saturday 17 July 2004: The former A40(M) elevated road in Paddington, London. And some of the former M41.

First view of the Westway, through the clutter of street furniture Restrictions sign on Gloucester Terrace Restrictions sign close-up Ascending the westbound on-slip Dual 3-lane ex-motorway and gantry sign Western end of the Westway, and we return to ground level A Sabristo uncovers a long-forgotten sign for A40(M); insert weak Returning eastwards, the start of the Westway Loads o' gantries! Exit for A3220 - former M41 Gantry with Congestion Charge sign (and a couple of tired 30s) A typical Westway exit and flyover Approaching the The dive-under It's a mini-tunnel, really Junction after the dive-under Intermediate junction on former M41 West Cross route Restrictions - entering West Cross route northbound Unused roundabout entry from north Motorway-style SOS phone

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]]> Sat Jul 17 2004 A505 Baldock bypass construction http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c300537.html Construction of the new dual-carriageway bypass of Baldock. Sunday 15 August 2004: Construction of the new dual-carriageway bypass of Baldock.

Contraflow on eastbound carriageway - Weston Hills cutting visible on left skyline Leaving the existing road onto the temporary diversion route New carriageway construction alongside the temporary road Unusually for roadworks, the temporary 40 limit is painted on the road Re-joining the existing road New carriageway construction alongside existing A505 Where the new route diverges - future junction site A507 overbridge (with remains of the temporary diversion on the left) The cutting that will become the Weston Hills tunnel Half-mile ADS for eastern junction Variable-message signs prior to B656 exit slip Final exit sign also has VMS elements Eastern tunnel portal with Weston Downs reinstated

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]]> Sun Aug 15 2004 A167 Newcastle to Darlington http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c267095.html An ambitious road trip capturing some of the variety of this historically important route, much of which was A1 until the coming of the motorway in the North-East. Saturday 7 August 2004: An ambitious road trip capturing some of the variety of this historically important route, much of which was A1 until the coming of the motorway in the North-East.

We begin our journey at Kenton Bar roundabout Ponteland Road is a broad avenue with parallel access road We approach our first roundabout - Kenton Lane Ponteland Road - a classic 1930s arterial road It's very reminiscent of Glasgow's Great Western Road Approaching Springfield roundabout Cowgate More 1930s suburban housing on the left Springfield roundabout Cowgate - Some newer D2 - still no safety fence in the central reservation, though Signage for Cow Hill interchange - our first grade-separated junction Is that a lay-by on the slip road? A189 overbridge at the junction Late-1970s expressway Two exits for B1318 (south, then north) Motorway ahead - built at the same time as this section B6338 overpass Prepare to dive! Start of motorway regulations as we disappear under the northbound carriageway It's dark down here! Camera shake! Lower-deck junction - turn left for A1058 Tynemouth & EAST Single-lane working in roadworks Still limited to 30mph on the motorway; A1058 on-slip on our left Northbound right-hand exit slip leaves the mainline above Almost immediately, we're at the A193 interchange... Above us, the Camden Street right-hand entry, whilst ahead A1058 traffic joins us southbound ... and then straight under the A186 roundabout The very short weaving section is coned off, so A193-to-A186 traffic must continue and use the next junction A186 off-slip More subterranean driving under A186 interchange Under the A186 roundabout South end of the motorway (sorry the sign's obscured!) Tyne Bridge (and some decorative lamp posts) Crossing the Tyne Bridge Leaving the Tyne Bridge A184 junction south of the Tyne This roundabout is where we diverge from the historical route along Gateshead High Street Let's quickly loop round the roundabout to see the northbound cut-through lane Approaching the fork for the elevated section Unusually, the flyover is on the left, with the offside lanes going to the roundabout Heading up the ramp On the upper deck; B1296 Old Durham Road underneath us On the top deck; lane 1 coned off for roadworks Roadworks above the B1296 Old Durham Road and B1426 Sunderland Road roundabout. Returning to surface level Durham Road - the very wide carriageway hints at its former importance Shipcote Lane crossroads Prince Consort Road junction and footbridge In the Valley Drive area

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]]> Sat Aug 7 2004 Newcastle - Central Motorway East http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c262289.html A handful of snaps taken on and around A167(M) in Newcastle. Saturday 7 August 2004: A handful of snaps taken on and around A167(M) in Newcastle.

Direction sign at the start of the Camden Street entry slip... Crudely patched sign at the mini-roundabout for the Camden Street entrance ... and we can't use it, due to roadworks! Between the carriageways Second choice of entry - A1058 Merging with the mainline

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]]> Sat Aug 7 2004 Tyne bridges http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c256215.html Three of the many roads over the River Tyne. Saturday 7 August 2004: Three of the many roads over the River Tyne.

High-Level Bridge (1849) - road deck is under the railway. Swing Bridge (1876) The Tyne Bridge (1928) - the most famous of Newcastle's bridges Tyne bridge, close-up

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]]> Sat Aug 7 2004 Newton Cap Viaduct http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c256192.html A rail-to-road conversion just north of Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, on A689 Saturday 7 August 2004: A rail-to-road conversion just north of Bishop Auckland, Co Durham, on A689

Newton Cap viaduct from the south A view including the road deck Newton Cap viaduct from below Detail of the southern end And here's the old Newton Cap road bridge

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]]> Sat Aug 7 2004 East Midlands roads and SABRE Awayday http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c255531.html The SABRE Awayday in Wolverhampton, and the journey to it (A14, A5) and back again (M6). Saturday 24 April 2004: The SABRE Awayday in Wolverhampton, and the journey to it (A14, A5) and back again (M6).

Width restriction - Storey's Way, Cambridge Obviously Roman alignment near Bar Hill Services sign at Bar Hill on-slip Plenty of Gatsos on this stretch... ...and here's the first! A glut of signs at junction 28 Farm traffic warning sign Typical heavy traffic on the A14 Speed camera on Fenstanton bypass VMS on the railway bridge at Huntingdon Huntingdon bypass and water tower A14 TOTSO at Spittals Interchange near Huntingdon Final gantry for Spittals Interchange Approaching Brampton Hut roundabout At-grade junction on A14 Jughandle right-turn at A14 junction 17 Fox Inn Another dodgy at-grade junction The big IKEA near junction 14 Pedestrian overbridge near Cranford St John At-grade footpath crossing The 1-mile ADS at Catthorpe Interchange ¾-mile ADS at Catthorpe (Damaged) 200 yards ADS at Catthorpe Interchange Catthorpe Interchange Catthorpe Interchange longabout M6 overbridges Welcome to Catthorpe A5 junction, Catthorpe Rear-view of A5 and Rugby Transmitting Station A5 passes under M6 A5 Roman road Chris and Steven, managers of two of the finest road web sites Tom of Apex Corner (web site, not junction!) Chris Marshall Nic (A47) and James (Truvelo) peruse their cartological publications Ramp metering on M6 junction 10 M6 junctions 9 and 8 gantry M5 diverge signing, and RAC building Joining M6 junction 7 roundabout on the inside M6 Junction 7 - more ramp-metering On the Catthorpe off-slip

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]]> Sat Apr 24 2004 Black Isle bridges http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c220380.html The bridges that carry the A9 at each end are a great contrast to each other. The Kessock bridge spans a navigational channel, so has a wide, high span, supported by cables. The Cromarty Firth bridge does not need to allow vessels underneath, and the water is shallow, enabling a long, low bridge supported by many piers. Saturday 26 June 2004: The bridges that carry the A9 at each end are a great contrast to each other. The Kessock bridge spans a navigational channel, so has a wide, high span, supported by cables. The Cromarty Firth bridge does not need to allow vessels underneath, and the water is shallow, enabling a long, low bridge supported by many piers.

Cromarty Firth bridge Cromarty Firth bridge Kessock Ferry Kessock Bridge Kessock Bridge northern tower

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]]> Sat Jun 26 2004 A9 climbing lane construction http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c220379.html The A9 is being widened in two places to give a second northbound lane near Kincraig and an extra southbound lane near Ralia. Saturday 26 June 2004: The A9 is being widened in two places to give a second northbound lane near Kincraig and an extra southbound lane near Ralia.

Kingussie climbing lane Kingussie climbing lane Kingussie climbing lane Kingussie climbing lane Ralia climbing lane Ralia climbing lane Ralia climbing lane Earthwork bolting Safety barrier

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]]> Sat Jun 26 2004 A832 widening, Kinlochewe to Achnasheen http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c220377.html The single-track road from Glen Dochart, past Loch a' Chroisg, to Achnasheen is being upgraded. Whilst it's a shame to see such a beatiful drive lose its character and interest, the upgrade must be good news for the local community. Friday 25 June 2004: The single-track road from Glen Dochart, past Loch a' Chroisg, to Achnasheen is being upgraded. Whilst it's a shame to see such a beatiful drive lose its character and interest, the upgrade must be good news for the local community.

Glen Dochart, looking north Looking south up Glen Dochart Roadworks sign Site marked to west of existing road A typical blind bind The narrow upper section near the summit Earthmoving The summit of the pass Near the summit Trees removed on right Earthmoving near the trees More earthmoving More earthmoving; Loch a' Chroisg now in sight New alignment mostly on north side lower down Reaching the start of the new section Typical section of new S2 S2 and layby Much straighter than the old! Very straight S2 And still straight Much improved visibility past Lochrosque Lodge Much improved visibility past Lochrosque Lodge Approaching A890 junction by Achnasheen Approaching A890 junction by Achnasheen

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]]> Fri Jun 25 2004 A616 Stocksbridge http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c155132.html A couple of pictures showing the new and old lines of A616. Saturday 10 April 2004: A couple of pictures showing the new and old lines of A616.

A616 Stocksbridge bypass Former A616 through Deepcar and Stocksbridge

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]]> Sat Apr 10 2004 A5 in Wales http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c145726.html A couple of snaps taken on my travels in Snowdonia Friday 26 March 2004: A couple of snaps taken on my travels in Snowdonia

New and old A5 in Nant Ffrancon Bridge within a bridge at Pont Ogwen Bridge within a bridge at Pont Ogwen Narrow bridge on B5434 near Pontcysyllte

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]]> Fri Mar 26 2004 Old photos http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c101287.html Some pictures from the early 20th century. Sunday 18 January 2004: Some pictures from the early 20th century.

Construction of new A82 at the Meeting of Three Waters Early vehicle ferry at Ballachulish Early vehicle ferry at Kylesku Allt-na-Reigh, Glencoe in 1928 Allt-na-Reigh, Glencoe in the 1930s Uig to Staffin road, Skye, early 20th century

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]]> Sun Jan 18 2004 Gleann Torra-mhicaig re-routing, Skye http://bealach-na-ba.fotopic.net/c99750.html A couple of scans showing the 1956 and 1970 routes of what is now A87 on Skye. Thursday 15 January 2004: A couple of scans showing the 1956 and 1970 routes of what is now A87 on Skye.

1956 1970

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]]> Thu Jan 15 2004