With the new road – which is named after Edith Rigby in honour of Preston’s most famous suffragette who dedicated most of her life to fighting for women's rights – having opened to drivers on July 3, take a look back at the road’s inception in 1975...
7. The opening of the M55
Broughton Interchange (now M6 / M55) Nearing completion is Broughton High Level Bridge with temporary 2-way running on the old southbound carriageway. This was Britain's first 3-level motorway interchange Photo: PDA
8. The opening of the M55
The Jaguar aircraft on the M55 in April 1975 Photo: National World
9. The opening of the M55
The Jaguar aircraft on the M55 in April 1975 Photo: National World
10. The opening of the M55
Children from Broughton School wave to the minister on the start of his tour of the motorway by coach at the M55 opening ceremony in 1975 Photo: submit
11. The opening of the M55
M55 traffic Photo: National World
12. The opening of the M55
Yeadon Way, Blackpool looking west from the M55 roundabout. The road follows the old railway line to the site of Central Station and is named after Lancashire County Council surveyor Harry Yeadon, it was opened on the 3rd January 1986. Photo: National World