A51 southern terminus

t1(M) · Post by **t1(M)** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 22:00

What's going on here? The A4097, A51 and B4098 all meet at a point. Presumably one of them was originally a continuation of one of the others, but which? M40s 1923 list doesn't help here, as in 1923 the A51 stayed firmly north of the A5.

M4Simon · Post by **M4Simon** » Fri Aug 30, 2002 23:07

In 1961, the A51's southern terminus was in Tamworth. The present A51 between Tamworth and Kingsbury was part of the A423. The present A4097 was the B4141. The A4097 previously only went as far east as what is now M42 junction 9. The B4098 was also part of the A423.
This was still the case in 1972, but by around 1980 (pre M42) the A51 appears to have taken over the A423 route and the section which is now B4098. My atlas is not very clear.
I assume the final numbering changes tookplace when the M42 was opened???
Simon

Guy-Barry · Post by **Guy-Barry** » Sat Aug 31, 2002 11:12

Tim: << M40s 1923 list doesn't help here, as in 1923 the A51 stayed firmly north of the A5. >>
I'd never noticed that extra little bit of the A51 before you pointed it out. Why on earth has it been retained as an A-road? If you're travelling from M42 J9 to Tamworth you'll presumably take the A4091. Is there anything of significance on the A4097/A51 route?
Guy

Simon A6(M) · Post by **Simon A6(M)** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 15:40

M4 Man:<In 1961, the A51's southern terminus was in Tamworth.>
Actually, my 1961 AA Road Book of England and Wales has the A51 starting on the A5 south of Tamworth, at a crossroads where the A423 ends. This is confirmed by the Itinerary that follows this route (Iter 611, if anyone else has a copy of this book). Hence, originally, the A51 and A423 began and ended on either side of the A5 in their respective zones.
Regards - Simon

M4Simon · Post by **M4Simon** » Sun Sep 01, 2002 23:18

Simon {A6(M)}: <<Actually, my 1961 AA Road Book of England and Wales has the A51 starting on the A5 south of Tamworth, at a crossroads where the A423 ends. This is confirmed by the Itinerary that follows this route (Iter 611, if anyone else has a copy of this book). Hence, originally, the A51 and A423 began and ended on either side of the A5 in their respective zones.
I am unable to either confirm or deny that for 1961. My Johnston and Bacon 1961 Atlas does not indicate a number for the A road between Tamworth and the A5. However, the road south of the A5 is definitely numbered as A423 and my quick glance gave me no reason to believe that the road north to Tamworth was anything different (apart from Standard Road Numbering Convention, but we know how crazy that is, and there is nothing to stop a 4 road travelling into the 5 zone and retaining it's number!)
My 1972 Batholemew does label the road between Tamworth and the A5 as the A51, but again, my research was limited to the area south of the A5.
Well spotted, Simon {A6(M)}
Simon