Perry Barr underpass

[AlanM]

This has been referred to in other posts but I rediscovered this photo in my phone. It's the underpass under construction 1960 - 1962 taken from the roof of the high rise flats I think.
It's of special interest to me as I used to pass through this junction, Wellington Rd - Aston Lane twice a day 1960 to 1967. The Aston Lane junction is near the top corner. I had a three wheeled bubble car in 1962 and if you look closely at the Wellington Road junction side, the one you can see could well be me!
I remember the diversions well during the massive road works.
The underpass was built with electric heating elements built into the road surface to de-ice in the winter, extremely unusual, if not a first. I don't think it was used for very long when it was done away with. Too expensive to run I guess.

 

[Astoness]

hi alan i often look at that photo its so detailed and of course most of what we see has now gone...think there is a very good chance that that is your bubble car which i had not noticed until you mentioned it

lyn

 

[Morturn]

I don't know what happened to the heated roadway, it was one of the new fangled features of the time but how effective it was or is anyone guess

 

[Astoness]

I don't know what happened to the heated roadway, it was one of the new fangled features of the time but how effective it was or is anyone guess

i had never heard of it mort but just imagine having all the roads in england heated

lyn

 

[AlanM]

According to Google, the underpass opened in 1962 so the photo must have been earlier as it's in it's early stages of construction. I can remember the original traffic lights at the junction before work started which would have been no earlier than September 1960 (I can be so sure because I started work at Witton on 5th Sept that year) so it was probably 1961.
If only projects of this size could be built that quickly these days! Things seem to take for ever now.

 

[AlanM]

Old cars are something I look out for in photos, Lyn. I can sometimes date the picture from the cars, especially if they're 1950s onwards. I enjoy watching old films on TV , (usually b&w) to spot the old cars in street scenes. Bit sad really!

 

[Astoness]

hi alan i think a lot of us try to date old photos by looking at the cars...i cant be sure but i thought we had a date for that photo..think i posted it on the forum years ago there again it could have been another member..will try and find out

lyn

 

[Astoness]

alan i could have been thinking of this photo dated 1962 the opening of the underpass..

lyn

 

[Astoness]

alan further to my last 2 post have you read our birchfield road thread..there are 34 pages showing many old photos including some taken in the 60s for all you know your bubble car could be on one of them...start reading from post 1 so that you do not miss anything..click on link below

ln

D

Thread 'Birchfield Road Perry Barr'

Oct 31, 2006

could any one out there please help me find out the history of my shop ? i run the hairdressers on birchfield road perry barr opposite one stop called indigo blue. a few days ago i was looking at old photos of perry barr and saw one of the row of shops which mine is in the middle. i couldn't quite see my salon so it would be really interesting to see photos or read stories about what it once was especially 1950's 60's and 70's.
thanks x

• debi
• Replies: 942
• Forum: Neighbours & Streets

 

[AlanM]

That 1962 opening photo ties in with the Googled date. That's great photo, so sharp. It's taken from the same direction as the one I posted with the Birchfield Cinema and the Crown & Cushion pub quite clear. I think it may have been a bank on the Aston Lane corner? I sat looking at it waiting at the traffic lights on two wheels, then three, then four wheels many times. I assume that's the Mayors car driving through. It's interesting that the new roundabout above the underpass has now been replaced with traffic lights which is what were there originally. Sad to see that the Crown & Cushion has now gone.

Yes, Lyn, I did quickly scan through the 'Birchfield Road and Perry Barr' thread before posting mine but it was a very quick scan and I'll go back to it.
Thanks.