2-847-786 - Historic England Archive/Heritage Images

A view of the construction of the Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6), looking south-east at Walton's Wood near Madeley Heath, showing excavation vehicles working beside a stream. The work on the Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6), between junctions J13 to J16 started in June 1960 and was carried out by John Laing Construction Ltd. This section at Walton's Wood presented geological problems for the construction team with an embankment failing when severe slipping occurred in 1961. By October 1963, remedial works on the embankment were completed. Water from the stream shown in the photograph was contained within a 1,000 foot long culvert and extensive drainage schemes were also constructed.