Geograph - photograph every grid square

Before the motorway was built, the land here used to carry the A6025 Saddleworth Road from Elland to Buckstones. Once the cutting had been blasted out, a new bridge was needed. Looking at the graceful curve of the bridge’s arch above the motorway, it is difficult to visualise what this area looked like before (or during) construction of the motorway, but a look at the 1940s OS map (Link ) shows that it was very different to the scene today.

Building the bridge was a very difficult undertaking involving gigantic steel scaffolding which became coated by tons of ice. The site became very isolated, with sub-zero temperatures for weeks on end and often no power or lighting.

When the bridge was completed (ca 1970) its 410 foot (125m) span was the largest of its type in the UK and also one of the largest in Europe. Together with the approach spans on either side, the bridge carries a 660 foot (200m) long deck 120 feet (36m) above the motorway. Because of its exposed position and high altitude, like SD9814 : Pennine Way Footbridge, it was designed to withstand the pressure which results from the high wind speeds (up to 120mph) experienced in the area.

The scale of the bridge is appreciated more when seen from a distance (SE0416 : Scammonden Bridge)

The road is now numbered B6114.