THIS week we delve into the archives of the Lancashire Telegraph to find out about the creation of a new motorway link between East Lancashire and Manchester.
This photo, which was taken in the 1970s, shows the overall plan of the Bury easterly bypass which officially opened on May 26, 1978.
The Bury bypass links the existing M66, which connects Bury with the north of Manchester and M62 with the Edenfield bypass.
It meant motorists had a fast road link stretching from Haslingden to Manchester.
On the same day the Department of Transport announced new proposals for the southern section of the A56 Accrington bypass.
At the time the new proposals would represent a step forward in the progress towards an Accrington to Manchester motorway route.
This would eventually link with the M65 Calder Valley highway.
When built it would give East Lancashire a 'first-rate' motorway line stretching from Accrington to Manchester and the M62.
The proposed route would start at the northern end of the Haslingden bypass.
Today motorists driving from Accrington to Manchester can travel there from the A680 to the A56, Haslingden bypass, before continuing onto the M66 southbound into the city centre.
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