Motorways - unbuilt, lost, secretive.... [Archive]

Filterlab

28-10-2012, 13:28

I stumbled upon a website today which tells about all the various motorways around the UK which are abandoned, unbuilt, secretive, lost, former etc etc. The chap who runs it has obviously done a LOT of research and is very thorough.

As someone who used to use the motorway system extensively, this is a very interesting website. Have a look:

http://www.pathetic.org.uk

Macca

28-10-2012, 13:43

I'm cursing you Rob - this is the sort of thing that has me squandering hours. It is a very well done site, though. I'm reminded of the documentary 'The Secret Life of The Motorway' from a couple of years back. Probably on U-Tube now and worth a watch.

Filterlab

28-10-2012, 14:25

I remember it well, four parter from memory. I loved seeing the footage of the people dining in the restaurant above the M1. How times have changed, motorways seem to be hated as much as they're loved.

I'll always love them though. :)

Enjoy the site, I've already squandered hours on it too!

Alex_UK

28-10-2012, 22:42

Enjoy the site, I've already squandered hours on it too!

Nope, going to resist, you little tease!

(Long Stratton hey - my old stomping ground - you could certainly do with a M140! :lol:)

walpurgis

28-10-2012, 22:45

Its not just motorways. There are dozens of underground complexes, former military and research establishments, blocks of offices, etc., etc., all mothballed and either awaiting re-use or sale I suppose.

And, have you ever noticed how many bridges over railways lead nowhere? I'm not talking about cattle bridges here.

Filterlab

29-10-2012, 10:19

(Long Stratton hey - my old stomping ground - you could certainly do with a M140! :lol:)

You said it, the A140's virtually 50 all the way down now, sometimes 40, and also 30. :(

However, Norfolk's transport infrastructure isolation will soon be over as FINALLY the A11 between Thetford and Barton Mills is being duelled. Due to open in December 2014, it will connect Norwich to London by dual carriageway / motorway all the way. Excellent!

Whereabouts are you in Suffolk?

Alex_UK

29-10-2012, 12:10

Ipswich now, but lived in Norwich from age 7 to 34, and my folks and a fair few friends are still there - only left 'cos of wife having a much bigger and closer family. The final stretch of the A11 dual carriageway is long overdue - I dread to think how many people have lost their lives on that stretch of road - as well as the daily traffic jam misery at Elveden.

DavefromDorset

01-11-2012, 19:54

Thank you Rob, just what I needed - more earache from the missus for wating my time. Just for revenge:

http://mil-millington.com/

Beechwoods

01-11-2012, 20:24

I really enjoyed this, thanks, Rob!

MartinT

01-11-2012, 22:56

Really fascinating, and I remember quite a few lost motorways such as the A41(M) in London. Agreed that the M50 is brilliantly quiet at all times.

Great site!

Techno Commander

03-11-2012, 14:51

Not motorways, but Secret Bases (http://www.secret-bases.co.uk/) is an excellent way to lose several hours.

MartinT

03-11-2012, 15:02

Or try Lost Underground Stations (http://www.abandonedstations.org.uk/). Fascinating!

Macca

03-11-2012, 18:05

Or try Lost Underground Stations (http://www.abandonedstations.org.uk/). Fascinating!

Thanks Martin. Another afternoon squandered. Enjoyably, though. What is it about the London Underground that captivates people?

Alex_UK

03-11-2012, 21:59

Or try Lost Underground Stations (http://www.abandonedstations.org.uk/). Fascinating!

If you only have time to check out one - then King William Street (http://www.abandonedstations.org.uk/King_William_Street_1.html) has to be the one. Not so much of the station's importance (and it was only in service for 10 years) but the use of it as a World War II shelter - fascinating, and can you imagine the thousands of people sharing that space during the blitz?

MartinT

04-11-2012, 01:05

What is it about the London Underground that captivates people?

I've been fascinated with it since I was a boy. I once took the Central Line all the way to Ongar, just to see what it was like. It was most disconcerting catching a short four-carriage Underground train from Epping and passing through fields and countryside on a single track. It's not surprising that they closed it, hardly anyone used it. A bit of lost Underground history.

Marco

04-11-2012, 08:14

Thanks Martin. Another afternoon squandered. Enjoyably, though. What is it about the London Underground that captivates people?

I find something rather eerie and macabre about disused railway/underground stations. Whenever I see pictures of them, disturbing thoughts engulf my mind...

Marco.

Macca

04-11-2012, 10:28

I recall going to Lonndon age about 6 with my father. I have no idea why. That was my first experience of the Underground, I had never seen anything like it - a bit of an assault on the senses for a child who grew up in the leafy Liverpool suburbs. I agree it can be eerie - so can any railway station for that matter. Years ago I used to have to change trains at Crewe regularly - on dark winter's nights when there is no-one about - that is a spooky place.

chris@panteg

04-11-2012, 10:54

I find something rather eerie and macabre about disused railway/underground stations. Whenever I see pictures of them, disturbing thoughts engulf my mind...

Marco.

Now you're freaking me out :sofa: