A Reservoir with a Road on Top: The Unique Story of Scammonden Dam

Nestled in the Pennines of West Yorkshire lies Scammonden Reservoir, a body of water with a remarkable distinction: a major motorway, the M62, runs directly across its top. But Scammonden Dam is more than just a civil engineering marvel; its creation involved a submerged village and a pioneering approach to transportation.

The Need for Speed: Building a Faster Route

The story begins in the 1950s. Britain's post-war economic boom demanded a faster link between the industrial powerhouses of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Existing routes meandered through valleys, adding significant travel time. Engineers proposed a motorway, the M62, that would cut through the Pennines, but a major obstacle stood in their way: the Deanhead Valley.

A Drowned Village and an Innovative Dam

Building a conventional bridge across the valley was deemed impractical. A bolder solution emerged: construct a dam that would create a reservoir and simultaneously support the motorway. This innovative design had never been attempted in Britain before. The Huddersfield Corporation Act of 1965 was passed, paving the way for construction.

The village of Deanhead, unfortunately, lay directly in the path of the planned reservoir. Many homes were demolished, and the village church became an island, eventually finding new life as the reservoir's sailing club. The construction itself, undertaken by Sir Alfred McAlpine & Son Ltd., was a feat of engineering. The dam itself is an embankment dam, a giant wall of earth and rock that holds back the water.

A Legacy of Engineering and Recreation

Completed in 1965, Scammonden Dam became a landmark and a testament to human ingenuity. The M62 motorway, significantly reducing travel times, became a key artery for trade and commerce. The reservoir itself, while a product of necessity, now provides a haven for wildlife and recreation. Walking trails circle the reservoir, offering stunning views of the Pennine landscape.

Scammonden Reservoir stands as a reminder that progress often requires sacrifice. But it's also a story of innovation, where a visionary approach to engineering led to the creation of a unique structure that serves multiple purposes. So, the next time you drive across the M62 over Scammonden, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable feat of human creation beneath your wheels.

Location

It's just at the side of the M62 (Obviously), there is a nice walk and car park.