M45 motorway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
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| Route information | ||||
| Length | 7.9 mi (12.7 km) | |||
| Existed | 1959–present | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| From | Watford Gap | |||
 M1 motorway |
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| To | Thurlaston | |||
| Location | ||||
| Primary destinations: |
Rugby, Coventry | |||
| Road network | ||||
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→The M45 is a special kind of road called a motorway in the West Midlands area of England. It connects the M1 motorway to the A45 road, which is just south of Rugby. From there, the A45 continues towards cities like Coventry, Solihull, and Birmingham.
This motorway is about 8 miles (12.9 km) long. It's usually not very busy. This is mainly because many drivers choose to use the M6 instead, which also connects to the M1 further north. The M45 was opened in 1959.
What is a Motorway?
A motorway is a major road designed for fast and safe travel. They have special rules, like no stopping on the main road and usually no sharp turns. Motorways help people travel long distances quickly across the country. They are built with special lanes for traffic going in different directions, separated by a central barrier.
M45 Junctions
Motorways have special exits and entrances called junctions. These allow drivers to get on or off the motorway and connect to other roads. The M45 has a main junction, known as J1, which connects to the A45 road. It also links directly to the M1 motorway at junction 17.
When you are driving on the M45, you might see signs for places like Coventry, Rugby, and Northampton. These signs help drivers know which way to go to reach their destination.
History of the M45
The M45 was one of the very first motorways built in the United Kingdom. It opened in 1959, at the same time as the first section of the M1 motorway. It was designed to be a fast link between the M1 and the A45, helping traffic flow more smoothly towards Coventry and Birmingham.
Over the years, other motorways like the M6 were built. These new roads offered different routes for drivers. This is why the M45 is not as busy today as some other motorways. It still serves as a useful connection for local traffic and those heading to Rugby or Coventry from the M1.
Images for kids
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A bridge that used to carry the Great Central Railway is in the distance.
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One of the original bridges designed by Owen Williams.
