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Keele cutting JLP01_08_059934
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Keele cutting JLP01_08_059934
M6 Motorway, M6, Keele, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire. A view of the construction of the Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6), showing a 110 Ruston Bucyrus diesel/electric excavator carrying out the excavation of a mixture of marl and sandstone in the Keele cutting.
In the album, the typed caption below the photograph reads Excavating a mixture of marl and sandstone in the Keele cutting. A 110 Ruston Bucyrus diesel/electric excavator. This machine weighs 153 tons and has a bucket capacity of 4 1/2 cubic yards and is capable of excavating up to 300 cubic yards per hour. Two 4" Halco Stenwick drills can be seen drilling shot holes for the provision of blasting charges to prepare the excavation for the 110 R.B. The Keele cutting extended from the Market Drayton Railway Line to Springpool Wood. Excavation of the site had to be roughly 25 feet in depth and structures to be built on this section of the motorway included three culverts, Structure 352, a cattle creep and Structure 354, a single underbridge at the A531
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24091437
© Historic England Archive. John Laing Photographic Collection
1960s Civil Engineering Construction Excavation Machinery Motorway Road
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the construction of the iconic Birmingham to Preston Motorway (M6) in Keele, Staffordshire. The image showcases a remarkable 110 Ruston Bucyrus diesel/electric excavator diligently excavating a combination of marl and sandstone in the Keele cutting. The immense size and power of this machine is evident as it weighs an astonishing 153 tons and boasts a bucket capacity of 4 1/2 cubic yards. With its impressive capabilities, it can excavate up to an astounding 300 cubic yards per hour, showcasing the efficiency and productivity required for such a massive project. In addition to the excavation work being carried out by the colossal excavator, two 4". Halco Stenwick drills are seen drilling shot holes for blasting charges necessary for preparing the site. This meticulous preparation was crucial as structures such as three culverts, Structure 352, a cattle creep, and Structure 354 - a single underbridge at A531 - were planned along this section of the motorway. The Keele cutting extended from Market Drayton Railway Line to Springpool Wood with an excavation depth requirement of approximately 25 feet. This photograph not only highlights the significant engineering feat accomplished during this construction but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity and determination in shaping our modern transportation infrastructure. Photo credit: Historic England Archive
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