Secrets Of The Motorway - M1

#motorways #infrastructure #m1

We're on a journey up the M1 to discover what lies beneath, or to the side perhaps... hidden motorway junctions, abandoned structures, ghost roads and lots more awaits.

In this series we aim to explore what our motorway network is hiding. As we drive along at the 70mph..ish...we simply just wouldn't be aware of what we're missing. This series aims to uncover some of the hidden secrets our motorways have to offer.

[jessebella]

My nan dont like the m1, she says sometimes when she uses it, everyone else is driving toward her the wrong way and it scares her

[markdavis]

You have to appreciate the effort put into making this video.

[Splodge]

Why am I watching this.... subcribed can't wait for next episode...

[asdhgwsrgbwsf]

The turning between junctions 14 and 15 on the M1, locally known as Cattle Creep, is infact used as a turning point for the emergency services!
The distance between J14, and J15 is roughly 13 miles, one of the biggest distances between junctions in the UK!
Emergency services use it to turn around to reach incidents on the M1 more quickly, otherwise they’d have to go all the way to Northampton (J15) or Milton Keynes (J14) to turn around.

It’s also been used to store plant equipment and vehicles during the ‘upgrade’ to Smart Motorways.

It’s always had the “no unauthorised vehicles” sign, but since the works they’ve put in ANPR cameras, so any one using it for a quick turn around will get a fine now!

[Thematt]

Awesome video. Just to solve your Tinsley Viaduct conundrum. 6 Million in 1967 is the equivalent of about 58 million (adjusted for inflation) in 2006. The strengthening was still more than the initial build cost, but from an engineering perspective a bigger project because they were effectively rebuilding the bridge from the inside out whilst it was still in use.

[DuncanDisrderly]

What I love about YouTube is this guy has a niche interest, can record himself talking about his passion and now loads of us are also interested. Great job

[SteveDull]

Eight and a half minutes of interesting video delivered in - and with - great style. Thanks for your efforts

[janet]

Tinsley Viaduct confuses the hell out of sat navs if you're on the lower deck. It thinks you're on the motorway above and will re-route you accordingly, usually just as you approach the roundabouts so you have no idea which exit you were supposed to take 😂

[paulmac]

Never thought that I (an Aussie) would take an interest in British motorways, but after watching such a fine presentation, I reckon I'll be tuning in again. Your voice is quite pleasant to the ear also, so feel free to drag these out to half an hour or so.

[MLB]

You might notice that the older part of the M1 has much longer straight sections than the newer parts. After the motorways had been around for a while they got to thinking that the long straights were too monotonous and were causing drivers to lose concentration or even fall asleep. When the later sections were built it was decided to include very slight curves in all sections of motorway and it’s actually quite rare to see totally straight sections on later motorways.

[nervo]

Great video...as a trucker i go the length of the M1 on a regular basis, i have always noticed the ghost slip roads just before Tibshelf services.

[NarrowboatSuperB]

At 5.36 I attended that incident, it was a Sunday night around 8ish the bells went at Loughborough Fire Station, everything from our station went plus pumps from Leicester, Shepshed, Long Eaton, Coalville, we were sat on the airport apron and saw it coming in, then nothing, my mate said its crashed, we all replied "Don't be daft" then the call came over the radio to divert to the Motorway, how it didn't involve any road traffic was a miracle.

[andyjay]

I used to travel on the M1 with my family, Dad driving of course, between 1960 - 1964. It was awe inspiring journey back then. Have not travelled on it since then 'cos we had all moved to Australia. It's good to see it upgraded.

[xowaspxowasp]

I know an old guy called Joe that worked on the construction of the M1. He overheard a conversation between one the machine operators & one the design engineers. One question was "why aren't we digging out for four lanes instead of 3"? The reply was "we'll never need four lanes". 🤔 🤣🤣🤣

[Skyfighter]

I never have been to the UK. Still, I'm sitting here watching a video of someone driving down a motorway... YouTube is intriguing

[MrGreatplum]

Well, this popped up in my recommended - wonderfully filmed, full of excellent geeky info that I can annoy my family with! Subbed!

[paulbramley]

I've just found your channel John and I'm hooked already. Trying to binge watch my way through. Great humour and information throughout. Keep up the good work.

[seanretro]

Also next to the M1 in Sheffield, there used to be two cooling towers. When they set to be demolished that part of the M1 had to be closed for safety, also to check for any damage after the cooling towers got blown up. From what Mum and Dad told me is that they felt the vibration when the cooling towers came down at night, but me

[Kaitler_Motorsport_Engineering]

Well done John, well put together. Cheers from Australia.

[paulhyde]

What a brilliant video!! This gentleman is a kindred spirit and, plainly, fascinated by the same things as me!! I remember the Staples corner 'road to thin air' section and drove on the forgotten M1 - A1 link many, many times in the Thank you!!!