Orrell Interchange

Orrell Interchange is junction 26 of the M6, and the current eastern terminus and junction 6 of the M58. It also provides connections to both Skelmersdale and Wigan (via the A577). The link to the A577 is a temporary addition, which would have been removed had the eastern extension of the M58 to bypass Wigan and link into the M61 been constructed.

In 2006 the junction was given safety improvements in order to increase capacity - this involved the installation of part time signals on the slip-roads coming off the M6.

This junction is younger than the motorway itself, as it did not appear until works began to construct Skelmersdale New Town in the late 1960s. Originally the M58 was the A506 Regional Road. It was upgraded to motorway later, in 1977, explaining the bizarre and sub-standard layout of the interchange.

Routes

Route	To	Notes
M6	Preston
M6	Birmingham, Manchester
M58	Liverpool, Skelmersdale, Southport
M58	Wigan, Upholland, Shevington, Billinge, Orrell	link to A577
M6	Liverpool, Southport, Skelmersdale (M58), Birmingham, Preston	link from A577
A577	Wigan
A577	Upholland, Orrell, Shevington, Billinge (B5206)
A506	Skelmersdale
M58	Wigan, Bolton, Manchester (M61)
A5225	Wigan, Leigh

Strip Maps

• 

  The current layout of the interchange.

• 

  Orrell Interchange as it was in the 1970s. The M58 was then numbered A506.

Links

Roads.org.uk

• Bad Junctions - Orrell Interchange

Pathetic Motorways

• Might Have Been Map showing final planned layout

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