Re the ‘abandoned building’ you are correct that it’s a pumping station - it’s for the northern foulwater interceptor sewer which runs across north Bristol and down to the water treatment works. It was manned when it was originally built in the 1960s however fully automated later on in life. It’s not actually abandoned despite its appearance and was still operational until a few years ago. It might even just be mothballed at the moment due to the said accident in 2020 or otherwise because of a new system current being built up near the old Filton runway. Last reports of maintenance hinted at 2016/7 use - it’s quite possible it can’t pump any shit down to the treatment plant till they fix the blown tanks which are still completely untouched since the accident due to the investigation still on going. It is rather nice inside with lovely old control panel and big induction motors to move the shit under the motorway. The lower part with the sluice gates is less glamorous.. 😂. Pics available on request (of the nice bit 😂 )
I love how there is always somebody out there who knows exactly what someone is talking about and has all of the information and even insider knowledge to inform us.
I love old sewage pumping stations. I took my wife and daughter on a day out to Burton on Trent where there is a fantastic old steam and beam engine pumping station. We enjoyed going round it with a guide more than the nearby Molson Coors [Bass] beer museum and Heritage Brewery. Unfortunately the brewery and museum are due to have been closed forever last month but I’m sure that the sewage station pumps on.
It deeply worries me how compelling I find this series. I don't even bloody drive.... Interesting to see how your style's evolved too - it really feels like you've found a style and delivery that works.
This is the last place I would have expected to hear the theme to 'The Flying Doctors'. I'm surprised I recognised it since I haven't heard it since I was a child some thirty years ago. Ah, nostalgia. You never cease to amaze me, with your obscure motorway knowledge and eclectic choice of music you use.
Aha! I wondered where I recognised it from, and it was driving me nuts trying to remember. I must've been no older than 6 the last time I saw that on telly!
@chakatsandwalker thank you for revealing that, I recognised the tube from some dark and distant part of my brain, probably in the late 80s or early 90s during a wet school holiday sat watching crap on telly!
I just thought, if you want a REALLY obscure Australian tv theme for a future video you could try finding "The Outsiders" although that might be so obscure that it may no longer exist anywhere... In fact I think I'll go and have a look now. I may be some time....
Well that proved to be far easier than I expected, I should have known TH-cam has everything these days. Anyway it was a 70s Australian tv show about two blokes driving around Australia in a cool old Holden ute doing stuff. Itv randomly showed it on Saturdays in the 80s. I was a car mad child so watched anything that had cool old cars in. The theme is far worse than I remembered but it might be worth using in a bad is good kind of way....th-cam.com/video/qay-Tsu1th0/w-d-xo.html
This was one of the most random (and sincerely interesting) channels I’ve been recommended on TH-cam. This video’s commentary and humour sums up exactly why it also one of the best random recommendations too! 😂👌🏻
@@Dan23_7 Personally I’m based very close off J4, and work just off J6, daily 8 minute commute! I know the Accrington to Preston stretch like the back of my hand, but Accrington to Burnley onwards - a little rough on the knowledge. We run wrestling shows just off J4 too, in a venue 2 minutes from the services.
fascinating! i grew up in Lichfied aND LEFT FOR AMERICA WHEN I WAS 30, your channel is so good...and keep me in touch with my roots.... thanks so much!
I have no business enjoying this series as much as I do. I don't live in the UK, I have minimal interest in motorways generally, but you make it very watchable. Your delivery veers unexpectedly from concise and informative to wacky and maniacal, and I love it. Abandoned buildings and forgotten or unappreciated large scale logistical projects do tickle my fancy, so it's a great one-two punch.
Another fascinating instalment of motorway madness, thanks, Jon. With so many abandoned roads and buildings and slip roads going nowhere you are giving me the impression that Britain is A hinterland of dereliction. Nevertheless you seem to make it entertaining. I particularly like your impression of half a drone at the very end. You will never take off like that you’ll have to flap your feet as well.
“Twatted the Bridge” haha I thought I was the only person who says Twatted - adopted in the early 90’s in my construction jobs. Thanks for the great Vid John.
I've just this minute discovered your channel. This is the first video I've seen. Instant hook. I had no idea our motorways could be so interesting - let alone funny. Good stuff.
John I love the music you use in your videos it always brings back memories, memories of something that I can't remember but always with a feeling of being happy so erm yea thanks for the music as well as the great content pal.
Another illuminating installment in the series. I'm always intrigued by those little junction "stubs", abandoned buildings, and geographical scars left by our modern way of life. I rather loved the graffiti. I was sad to learn that a previous work had been painted over, but perhaps it had decayed to the point that it was a canvas in need of re-working; much like many a canvas from "masters" over the years. I'm looking forward to the third installment of the November segment. Thanks John.
Sundays just wouldn't be the same, without my weekly dose of Motorway Madness, Road Rants, and random satirical musings. Just right to sit down with a Lungo for ten minutes. Or if the video was any longer, I might come across all daring, and also indulge in a double shot latte, with a cherry bakewell, or something 🍰 'I'm on a sofa!'
I used to be an Openreach engineer and that building got all the hallmarks of being an old exchange maybe but I’ve never heard of one there. They used to be designed out of a book of designs that were approved along with the post office when they were the GPO. Possibly that? Not sure.
Absolutely brilliant. Just love these episodes of secrets of the motorway and makes you realise someone had to do it and this fella is great. Definitely makes Jeremy Clarkson a bore so nice 1 for that as well. Keep it up please and top marks.
I saw on the A3, southbound between Wisley and Burpham an intriguing stretch of abandoned road, complete with a brick built bus stop shelter. Was wondering if there's a possibility of branching into the history of the A3 at some stage in the future, because the existence of that abandoned bus stop has long aroused my fascination
@@nrahim91 The National Library of Scotland has pages that let you overlay modern maps on old. Daren't post a link but "Explore georeferenced maps" should get you started.
@@GTRider69 where abouts is that? I drive on the A3 occasionally and haven't seen it. Edit: Nvm, completely glossed over the location on the original comment lol
Yet another great video. When I used to drive from London to Weston-Super-Mare it was actually quicker to carry on to the M49 and then join up with the M5.
As one of my local motorways and travel on nearly on a daily basis, I learnt more about this motorway watching this vid than I ever have traveling on it since it opened. Thanks Jon. I was a little surprised you didn't cover the access road off the roundabout heading towards Pilning. I always wondered whats down that road :P
Great video! Can't believe the timing of it as I was driving along it today and wondering if you were going to feature it with its useless junction! 🤣 Only a short motorway but makes such a difference to my frequent trips from Wales to Cornwall!
M49 is the ultimate piece of road for caning your car down, the long, subtle curves push you into your seat as you go muling down it. No slip roads to despatch mongs into your path either. Reminds me of the 80's arcade game 'Outrun'
Quote of the week: “Unfortunately, as you can see it’s been covered up by some mong.” 🤣😂😅 I love anything that makes me laugh like I’m 12 again 😄 Great stuff as ever, have a great weekend 🍻🍀👍
A fun fact about the Severn rail tunnel is that it relies on several pumping stations to keep it 'dry' if the pumps were to fail the tunnel would fill with water in a matter of hours. Luckily there's plenty of redundancy in the system.
God, that M49 junction was a nightmare back in 2018/19! 50mph along the entire motorway pretty much, and that crane made me late for uni when that happened, as it added half an hour onto the journey due to the traffic! That junction just keeps getting funnier and funnier, how can they mess it up this time! That's my last local secrets of the motorway though, guess I'll have to wait for secrets of the A-Road until you do the A303 then!
I like that wiggly little road that goes under that junction then spirals up, follows the inner edge of the roundabout then under the other side. Looks like a very over-engineered solution to some kind of access problem.
@@bobblebardsley Pedestrian footpath/Cycleway mate, yes, majorly over engineered, but keeps foot traffic away from vehicle traffic, and allows access from Cribbs Causeway.
I can remember driving it every day (also to get to uni!) and wondering when the feck they were going to finish the damn roadworks that kept us going 50mph for nigh on two years ,,, didn't mind it aside from that and the bananas bit going onto the Avonmouth bridge where you had to take your life into your hands every time you swapped to the left hand lane towards Portishead
The mad thing is that huge roundabout above the motorway is completely blocked off and cannot even be used by motorists to change direction on the motorway.
Could have been useful back in the summer when a lorry caught fire in the second Severn crossing. I was heading South basically the M49 Northbound was like a parking lot right down to Avonmouth. Was a hot day too I thought to myself that junction could be used in situations like this at least but no that’s a silly idea to these pen pushers.
I have to say, I’m impressed! It literally takes less time to drive on the M49 than it does to watch this video, so how you managed to keep it interesting is nothing short of miraculous. So, in honour of this, you have earned my subscription. I hardly ever sub to channels, so you may consider this an honour! Assuming, of course, that a sub from some bloke in Manchester you’ve never met is in any way meaningful to you…
UPDATE construction of the link road was approved yesterday (23rd November 2023) after the land between the junction and the existing road was compulsory purchased. The Council says work will begin early 2024 and take 12 months to complete. Also plans have been submitted for a Services of this new/old junction.
Thank you again for showing that if one is willing to extend their journey by several hours and thus defeating the object of a motorway there are lots of mundane but interesting things to justify this
Thanks! You are a joy to watch, always putting a smile on my face! Near my home you can see a freeway connector (slip road) that was never built: Google Maps or Google Earth: La Mesa, California, USA, find interchange State Routes 94 and SR 125. Westbound SR-94 to northbound SR-125. Just north is a local road bridge which was slated for demolition but locals protested. A bit north of that bridge is what would have been the high speed connector, as seen by the abnormally wide shoulder. 🤗
Hello there! Thanks that's very kind. You guys have all the space... we can't fit anything like those sort of interchanges in between our little villages.
Hello from Australia, This is THE best educational video I've watched in a while. Like a more charismatic Tom. First and definitely not last video I'll watch of yours. Subscribed.
That's because it was phased out when people realised it was derogatory to sufferers of Down's Syndrome (formerly named "Mongolism" since sufferers bear the far eastern characteristics of narrow eyes and recessed nose bridges, which also makes it not only ablist, but also racist)
@@Hawkskull Thx for the heads-up; never heard of it before as a derog. Was thinking he meant 'Ming' as in 'Minger' or 'Minging'; then I wondered where Minging originated; all I could think of was the evil dude in the old Flash Gordon tv programmes that was on in the school holiday back in the day...
@@whyyoulidl Ahhh those too-short b&w episodes of Flash Gordon. I still thank BBC2 for putting them on very early every day in the Christmas holidays because they were my excuse for being up before the rest of the house. Nothing to do with feeling the presents, no.
@@sandwichbar8226 Sandwich bar! That reminds me. When I was working in Kyiv some years back, every morning on the way to work the bus would pass a shop with huge letters plastered across the windows in the front, in Cyrillic font. I tried to figure out what it said as a sort of exercise in learning the Cyrillic alphabet. So each day as I went past, as I had learnt a little more, I could decypher a little more. I think it took me about a week but I eventually figured out it read "Sandwich bar" in English, just in Cyrillic text. Strange the things which stick in your mind...
Well that was a nice surprise. A recommended video, from a channel I didn't know about. I've gotta tell ya, that microphone you're using is top notch. Camera is well away, but your voice is as clear as a 🔔 🫑
Thanks for watching. I don't always get it right but I like to think I'm alright with the audio side of things :D It's a rode lavalier mic and tascam recorder. Nothing expensive but a few tweaks in post and it all sounds ok!
Loving these Bristol-based vids in particular; as I said in the M5 vid I used to live off J19. The M49 was a Godsend quite often as I had to commute down the M5 on summer afternoons; I'd turn off onto the M4 then down the M49 which would just about feed me directly into the slip-road lane for J19, meaning that I bypassed a fuckton of stationary traffic and didn't have to battle my way across numerous lanes going over the Avonmouth bridge. My route still usually had numerous tailbacks, but even with the massive diversion it still usually shaved at least half-an-hour off the journey time...
I mean, all the stuff about secret motorways is nice and all that. But I think we should all take a minute to acknowledge the sheer genius of using The Flying Doctors theme tune as an outro. After all, these are the things that dreams are made of.
Not useless for me, I've taken it loads of times from Somerset to South Wales. I've even gone east onto the M4, when the M5 is busy (like at Christmas when everyone is going to Cribbs Causeway). I didn't know what was happening with the junction though, so thanks for clearing that up
"I'm on a bench" 🤣🤣🤣
"oh! It's a train" 🤣🤣🤣
He cracks me up!!
I literally only watched this because of your comment. Love a bench me 😂😂😂
@@ferrorail “fucking deliver everything don I” he’s so funny for no reason 😂
I had to skip the video back just to work out what I just heard 😂😂😂
@@ferrorail don't encourage the English
I love the random interjections like "I'm on a bench" or "Oh look, a train, you like trains don't you!".
I get distracted easily :D
Squirrel!
He's so awesome
@@AutoShenanigans Me too.
Nothing cures a Sunday morning hangover better than the latest episode of Secrets of the motorway. Thank You John!
For me its a vid before bed🤣😎
Or in my part of the world, Monday morning just before work…as we are ahead of you.
Best hangover cure is a early morning Sunday drive
Re the ‘abandoned building’ you are correct that it’s a pumping station - it’s for the northern foulwater interceptor sewer which runs across north Bristol and down to the water treatment works. It was manned when it was originally built in the 1960s however fully automated later on in life. It’s not actually abandoned despite its appearance and was still operational until a few years ago. It might even just be mothballed at the moment due to the said accident in 2020 or otherwise because of a new system current being built up near the old Filton runway. Last reports of maintenance hinted at 2016/7 use - it’s quite possible it can’t pump any shit down to the treatment plant till they fix the blown tanks which are still completely untouched since the accident due to the investigation still on going. It is rather nice inside with lovely old control panel and big induction motors to move the shit under the motorway. The lower part with the sluice gates is less glamorous.. 😂. Pics available on request (of the nice bit 😂 )
id like to see the pics. if poss
thanks
@@anthonyapplebyvrgaming1742 I’ve tweeted Jon some pics
I love how there is always somebody out there who knows exactly what someone is talking about and has all of the information and even insider knowledge to inform us.
I have a vision of a Capt Nemo character, in a Steam Punk control room……… not battling unearthly sea monsters……. but giant turds…….. 🥳🇬🇧
I love old sewage pumping stations. I took my wife and daughter on a day out to Burton on Trent where there is a fantastic old steam and beam engine pumping station. We enjoyed going round it with a guide more than the nearby Molson Coors [Bass] beer museum and Heritage Brewery. Unfortunately the brewery and museum are due to have been closed forever last month but I’m sure that the sewage station pumps on.
Not heard anyone described as a "mong" since the mid-80s. Great content once more.
beer came out my nose..quality
That's a police visit these days...!
It deeply worries me how compelling I find this series. I don't even bloody drive.... Interesting to see how your style's evolved too - it really feels like you've found a style and delivery that works.
It's the best thing if I can appeal to a "non driver." It's taken a while but I'm finding the "way" now I think. Thanks for watching.
@@AutoShenanigans Even more here ...do'n t drive and live in the Netherlands ;-)
I drive (on the correct side of the road) and have never been to the UK.
@@k6usytwayh
@@AutoShenanigans Ooohhhhh because MotorWAY!
You always make me smile every Sunday with your dry humour, even when I'm in hospital like I am at the moment :) thank you
Get well soon!!
Hope all's ok; get well soon. Love from the SoTM family 🤗
Oh no! Nothing too bad we hope. thanks for the donation..again.. you really shouldnt!
You're right John, I do like trains
+1 😃
So do I! 😁
Benches, trains, biosolids. Jon always delivers the good stuff.
Not to mention various kinds of public works sheit... which I obviously won't.
I like it when you do these short motorways as you capture so much detail, which you do not have time to give us in the longer roads.
I love these episodes, but the occasional apperance of Simcity 2K just makes my day. Keep up the good work!!
"I'm on a bench" 🤣 you got no Special Brew tho 🤣🤣
This is the last place I would have expected to hear the theme to 'The Flying Doctors'. I'm surprised I recognised it since I haven't heard it since I was a child some thirty years ago. Ah, nostalgia. You never cease to amaze me, with your obscure motorway knowledge and eclectic choice of music you use.
Aha! I wondered where I recognised it from, and it was driving me nuts trying to remember. I must've been no older than 6 the last time I saw that on telly!
@chakatsandwalker thank you for revealing that, I recognised the tube from some dark and distant part of my brain, probably in the late 80s or early 90s during a wet school holiday sat watching crap on telly!
Thank you! I was racking my brains on this one. Brilliant piece of nostalgia 😂
I love the music ... wondering, how many others can remember that show :)
Another great episode - with so many highlights...
- unfinished junctions
- a train
- the use of the word 'twatting'
- an abandoned building
nice one!
I don't drive and I'm not particularly interested in cars and roads but I always find myself loving these videos!
If we appeal to viewers not interested in cars/roads then that's a huge compliment, thanks!
Love the obscure tv theme endings, continuing the recent Australian theme with Flying Doctors this time. Great video as always.
I just thought, if you want a REALLY obscure Australian tv theme for a future video you could try finding "The Outsiders" although that might be so obscure that it may no longer exist anywhere... In fact I think I'll go and have a look now. I may be some time....
Well that proved to be far easier than I expected, I should have known TH-cam has everything these days. Anyway it was a 70s Australian tv show about two blokes driving around Australia in a cool old Holden ute doing stuff. Itv randomly showed it on Saturdays in the 80s. I was a car mad child so watched anything that had cool old cars in. The theme is far worse than I remembered but it might be worth using in a bad is good kind of way....th-cam.com/video/qay-Tsu1th0/w-d-xo.html
@@marcwaller3657 If you want obscure Australian tv themes, how about "The Sullivans"? That was a daytime ITV staple when I was growing up.
Anyone else like to see an entire episode dedicated to abandoned buildings?
Spose John could do a co-lab with Martin Zero or Ant from Trekking n Towpaths...
His channel is about roads
Would love to see something like that from this channel
@@ShiresMatt Is that your definition of 'auto shenanigans'? lol
might need more than 10 minutes
The humour is brilliant in this one, specificly the train passing and the water treatment silo accident sections.. brilliant!
Four people died in that accident :-(
This was one of the most random (and sincerely interesting) channels I’ve been recommended on TH-cam. This video’s commentary and humour sums up exactly why it also one of the best random recommendations too! 😂👌🏻
4:47 I love the fact that you reused the ‘Hooray’ scene from 2:45 🤣
This series and the humour gets better every episode. Love the series, love your work. Let me know when you’re doing M65!
One of my local motorways
I’m near Preston
I used to go up and down the 65 for 5 years 5 days a week
I know every bump n ridge on it 😂
@@Dan23_7 Personally I’m based very close off J4, and work just off J6, daily 8 minute commute! I know the Accrington to Preston stretch like the back of my hand, but Accrington to Burnley onwards - a little rough on the knowledge. We run wrestling shows just off J4 too, in a venue 2 minutes from the services.
@@rwluk Nelson every day for 5 years, I’m in Leyland. My van ended up driving itself up there while I had a Kip it knew the route that well 😂
fascinating! i grew up in Lichfied aND LEFT FOR AMERICA WHEN I WAS 30, your channel is so good...and keep me in touch with my roots.... thanks so much!
Its the deeply informative and well researched remark at 03:50 that makes this channel so gripping... and a very fine bench it is too.
The most random bench I ever did find.
Brilliant script there! Had me in stitches when you said 'I'm on a bench', keep doing stuff like that dude!
I have no business enjoying this series as much as I do. I don't live in the UK, I have minimal interest in motorways generally, but you make it very watchable. Your delivery veers unexpectedly from concise and informative to wacky and maniacal, and I love it. Abandoned buildings and forgotten or unappreciated large scale logistical projects do tickle my fancy, so it's a great one-two punch.
Where are you from?
Your sense of humour is brilliant. Love the odd swear word thrown in!
Another fascinating instalment of motorway madness, thanks, Jon. With so many abandoned roads and buildings and slip roads going nowhere you are giving me the impression that Britain is A hinterland of dereliction. Nevertheless you seem to make it entertaining. I particularly like your impression of half a drone at the very end. You will never take off like that you’ll have to flap your feet as well.
A Hinterland of Dereliction sounds like a Catherine Cookson title.
@@bobblebardsley Or the current Tory manifesto
more like failure of future-proofing planning...
“Twatted the Bridge” haha I thought I was the only person who says Twatted - adopted in the early 90’s in my construction jobs.
Thanks for the great Vid John.
I've just this minute discovered your channel. This is the first video I've seen. Instant hook. I had no idea our motorways could be so interesting - let alone funny. Good stuff.
You've got loads of great videos to watch then. 🙂
John I love the music you use in your videos it always brings back memories, memories of something that I can't remember but always with a feeling of being happy so erm yea thanks for the music as well as the great content pal.
I'm not even entirely sure why but I absolutely love these videos! Great work as always
Auto has to be one of the best channels on TH-cam, he makes the uninteresting interesting, and funny, good on ya….
Nice one, thanks for watching!
Another illuminating installment in the series. I'm always intrigued by those little junction "stubs", abandoned buildings, and geographical scars left by our modern way of life.
I rather loved the graffiti. I was sad to learn that a previous work had been painted over, but perhaps it had decayed to the point that it was a canvas in need of re-working; much like many a canvas from "masters" over the years.
I'm looking forward to the third installment of the November segment.
Thanks John.
I absolutely love trains. Thank you for stopping so we could appreciate it.
Sundays just wouldn't be the same, without my weekly dose of Motorway Madness, Road Rants, and random satirical musings.
Just right to sit down with a Lungo for ten minutes. Or if the video was any longer, I might come across all daring, and also indulge in a double shot latte, with a cherry bakewell, or something 🍰
'I'm on a sofa!'
Enjoy yourself now that you have time. You never know when your next chance of tasting happiness comes around.
@@TrondBørgeKrokli Very true... I could drop dead walking to the kitchen for a biscuit!
Our lives are truly at the mercy of fate!!!
@@hermanmunster3358 Fair point. Enjoy each moment when you get the chance. Smell the roadside flowers on your merry way.
@@TrondBørgeKrokli Is that a euphanism?
@@hermanmunster3358 Not at all, that was just a simple attempt to sound jolly, using old clichés to what others have recommended in the past.
I used to be an Openreach engineer and that building got all the hallmarks of being an old exchange maybe but I’ve never heard of one there. They used to be designed out of a book of designs that were approved along with the post office when they were the GPO. Possibly that? Not sure.
IF with the munitions works could be Govt telephone service?
Nah it’s defo a sewage pumping station
I also worked for Openreach and it’s predecessors for 40 years on building maintenance, it’s definitely not a telecom building.
@@christopherjordan4812 I said it looks like one, as you’d know they mostly came out of a book of approved designs and it has the same hallmarks
Definitely a government building or even an infrastructure type building.
Absolutely brilliant. Just love these episodes of secrets of the motorway and makes you realise someone had to do it and this fella is great. Definitely makes Jeremy Clarkson a bore so nice 1 for that as well. Keep it up please and top marks.
Thanks a lot mate!
I am not even from the UK nor I have been to the UK ever, but this is intriguing as hell!! :D
Hi, we're a weird bunch us Brits who find a shared joy in the most inconspicuous of things. Spread the word of this channel 😃
Welcome along, glad to have you!
I absolutely love your videos, very informative, but what does it for me is your sarcastic comments and sense of humour!
I saw on the A3, southbound between Wisley and Burpham an intriguing stretch of abandoned road, complete with a brick built bus stop shelter. Was wondering if there's a possibility of branching into the history of the A3 at some stage in the future, because the existence of that abandoned bus stop has long aroused my fascination
That sounds like the old VOSA vehicle weighbridge
It's just the old alignment of the A3 before it was made into a dual carriageway. You can see how it curves more on old maps.
@@GTRider69 Correct.
@@nrahim91 The National Library of Scotland has pages that let you overlay modern maps on old. Daren't post a link but "Explore georeferenced maps" should get you started.
@@GTRider69 where abouts is that? I drive on the A3 occasionally and haven't seen it.
Edit: Nvm, completely glossed over the location on the original comment lol
Yet another great video. When I used to drive from London to Weston-Super-Mare it was actually quicker to carry on to the M49 and then join up with the M5.
As one of my local motorways and travel on nearly on a daily basis, I learnt more about this motorway watching this vid than I ever have traveling on it since it opened. Thanks Jon. I was a little surprised you didn't cover the access road off the roundabout heading towards Pilning. I always wondered whats down that road :P
I also wondered... but then realised It's bridge maintenance access and stuff like that, "authorised vehicles" only etc.
It goes into the Highways Yard by Severn way foot path. There is another access road they use which connects to Shaft Road.
These vids are fascinating in themselves, but your delivery and humour put them on another level 😁
Great video! Can't believe the timing of it as I was driving along it today and wondering if you were going to feature it with its useless junction! 🤣 Only a short motorway but makes such a difference to my frequent trips from Wales to Cornwall!
Totally agree the journey from the South Wales Valleys to Brean or Burnham on Sea this short motorway does save some time.
I can't speak for all us guys, but I am a guy who likes trains.....you really can deliver everything, John, and this guy appreciates it.
M49 is the ultimate piece of road for caning your car down, the long, subtle curves push you into your seat as you go muling down it. No slip roads to despatch mongs into your path either. Reminds me of the 80's arcade game 'Outrun'
It also helps that there's nowhere for a camera van to park up either! That will change if they ever open that junction though.
M48 is the same too, it's a road that exists outside the realms of speed limits
I find car stuff to be beyond dull but your presentation style has absolutely sold me. fantastic stuff have a sub aha.
Best wave yet Johnny boy!
Quote of the week: “Unfortunately, as you can see it’s been covered up by some mong.” 🤣😂😅
I love anything that makes me laugh like I’m 12 again 😄
Great stuff as ever, have a great weekend 🍻🍀👍
A fun fact about the Severn rail tunnel is that it relies on several pumping stations to keep it 'dry' if the pumps were to fail the tunnel would fill with water in a matter of hours. Luckily there's plenty of redundancy in the system.
Another great video mate, the humour, the use of the noel's house party make for a great video along with the information you research for the video.
God, that M49 junction was a nightmare back in 2018/19! 50mph along the entire motorway pretty much, and that crane made me late for uni when that happened, as it added half an hour onto the journey due to the traffic! That junction just keeps getting funnier and funnier, how can they mess it up this time! That's my last local secrets of the motorway though, guess I'll have to wait for secrets of the A-Road until you do the A303 then!
I like that wiggly little road that goes under that junction then spirals up, follows the inner edge of the roundabout then under the other side. Looks like a very over-engineered solution to some kind of access problem.
@@bobblebardsley Pedestrian footpath/Cycleway mate, yes, majorly over engineered, but keeps foot traffic away from vehicle traffic, and allows access from Cribbs Causeway.
I can remember driving it every day (also to get to uni!) and wondering when the feck they were going to finish the damn roadworks that kept us going 50mph for nigh on two years ,,, didn't mind it aside from that and the bananas bit going onto the Avonmouth bridge where you had to take your life into your hands every time you swapped to the left hand lane towards Portishead
"Completely covered up by some mong'. Love it. What a perfect description 👌
The mad thing is that huge roundabout above the motorway is completely blocked off and cannot even be used by motorists to change direction on the motorway.
Could have been useful back in the summer when a lorry caught fire in the second Severn crossing. I was heading South basically the M49 Northbound was like a parking lot right down to Avonmouth. Was a hot day too I thought to myself that junction could be used in situations like this at least but no that’s a silly idea to these pen pushers.
Absolutely effing love these videos. They don't half brighten up my days 'n' make me chortle!
I'm so glad!
I have to say, I’m impressed! It literally takes less time to drive on the M49 than it does to watch this video, so how you managed to keep it interesting is nothing short of miraculous. So, in honour of this, you have earned my subscription. I hardly ever sub to channels, so you may consider this an honour! Assuming, of course, that a sub from some bloke in Manchester you’ve never met is in any way meaningful to you…
Every subscriber means the world to me x
Fascinating. Makes you glad you're not a politician or bureaucrat responsible for mess-ups like that.
A strange motorway, but with a surprising amount of secrets. Very nice! I'm curious to know about the process of making these videos, honestly.
You're in luck!
th-cam.com/video/run0DPoPaTw/w-d-xo.html
Not many people can make a 5 mile motorway into an interesting 9½ minute video :)
Well done!
"by some mong" - Had me in stitches
My god. Completely unintentionally stumbled across this and my inner geek absolutely loves it 😁 *subscribed* 😎
Welcome along
UPDATE construction of the link road was approved yesterday (23rd November 2023) after the land between the junction and the existing road was compulsory purchased. The Council says work will begin early 2024 and take 12 months to complete. Also plans have been submitted for a Services of this new/old junction.
Thank you again for showing that if one is willing to extend their journey by several hours and thus defeating the object of a motorway there are lots of mundane but interesting things to justify this
Thanks!
Morning mate.. and thank you! Appreciate that, hope you are well!
"covered up by some mong!" hehehehe
Love it how this must have 'confused' a somewhat PC TH-cam as it's offering to 'Translate to English' your comment!! Love it!
Thank you for showing us the train at 5:15. Like the rest of the video, it's very interesting. Keep up your excellent work!
John, can you do the A3(M) soon? I just found out it existed. The A3(M) is at the start/end of the A3 in Portsmouth.
I was going to suggest this too, lived this stretch of road my whole life.
It's a bizarre one that. Only the north end is actually connected to the A3. You have to go via the A27 to get back to the A3 at the south end.
I come here for the secrets, I stay for the 90s intro music and your dry humor!
I assume that once you’ve done all the Motorways you’ll move onto the secrets of A roads
Thanks! You are a joy to watch, always putting a smile on my face! Near my home you can see a freeway connector (slip road) that was never built: Google Maps or Google Earth: La Mesa, California, USA, find interchange State Routes 94 and SR 125. Westbound SR-94 to northbound SR-125. Just north is a local road bridge which was slated for demolition but locals protested. A bit north of that bridge is what would have been the high speed connector, as seen by the abnormally wide shoulder. 🤗
Hello there! Thanks that's very kind. You guys have all the space... we can't fit anything like those sort of interchanges in between our little villages.
When are you doing a USA version? should keep you busy for a few episode's. 😉
I wonder how long it would actually take to do the I-90...
It might prove a bit expensive travelling to the states to cover all the big roads. Unless you can suggest a free way.
I need a VPN sponsor to casually send me a few grand for flights.
Hello from Australia,
This is THE best educational video I've watched in a while. Like a more charismatic Tom.
First and definitely not last video I'll watch of yours. Subscribed.
Welcome along, We've a good group of viewers from Straya...no idea why but glad to have ya!
The algorithm has once again come up with a little gem. New subscriber due to the nature of presentation. Brilliant.
7:14 "a silo containing bio solids or shit exposed for some reason" 🤣🤣
I have no idea why this channel is so fascinating to me as an American but I love it
So glad we appeal to non UK residents! Welcome along.
As someone who lives in the South West, the M49 is not pointless, it’s essential to get into Wales
but far more important for getting OUT of Wales!🤣
Thanks for an entertaining series. Good luck getting much C* with this! 😁
* see bottom of supporter credits.
That's at least one very low quality lady of the night. Thanks a lot mate, appreciate it.
@@AutoShenanigans that's your choice! 😁 At least it'll get you a 'Starbies' as long as you don't go crazy with the syrups and marshmallows! Take care!
Okay, who requested the Flying Doctors theme last week?🤣
That's what it is, I knew it sounded familiar.
That just made my wife's day hearing that tune. Thanks John. She now love you long time 😘
Cool thanks! I was lost on this week's offering.
Your presenting style cracks me up, brilliant stuff keep it up 👍
Havn’t heard ‘ mong’ since the 80’s
That's because it was phased out when people realised it was derogatory to sufferers of Down's Syndrome (formerly named "Mongolism" since sufferers bear the far eastern characteristics of narrow eyes and recessed nose bridges, which also makes it not only ablist, but also racist)
Make Mong Great Again
@@Hawkskull Thx for the heads-up; never heard of it before as a derog. Was thinking he meant 'Ming' as in 'Minger' or 'Minging'; then I wondered where Minging originated; all I could think of was the evil dude in the old Flash Gordon tv programmes that was on in the school holiday back in the day...
@@whyyoulidl Ahhh those too-short b&w episodes of Flash Gordon. I still thank BBC2 for putting them on very early every day in the Christmas holidays because they were my excuse for being up before the rest of the house. Nothing to do with feeling the presents, no.
What a cool drone-shot you got at 0:38 with the motorway over the water goes into the mist .... 👌👌👌👍👍👍
You have an uncanny way of making a 10 minute video of a road that takes one around 5 minutes to drive, if that!
John, you never fail to teach me new things/ cheer me up every Sunday. Keep it up thank you!
Hello John. How the devil are you, have you had a good week?
All good thanks mate
@@AutoShenanigans
Great video, as always 👍
@@sandwichbar8226 Sandwich bar! That reminds me. When I was working in Kyiv some years back, every morning on the way to work the bus would pass a shop with huge letters plastered across the windows in the front, in Cyrillic font. I tried to figure out what it said as a sort of exercise in learning the Cyrillic alphabet. So each day as I went past, as I had learnt a little more, I could decypher a little more. I think it took me about a week but I eventually figured out it read "Sandwich bar" in English, just in Cyrillic text.
Strange the things which stick in your mind...
Well that was a nice surprise. A recommended video, from a channel I didn't know about. I've gotta tell ya, that microphone you're using is top notch. Camera is well away, but your voice is as clear as a 🔔 🫑
Thanks for watching. I don't always get it right but I like to think I'm alright with the audio side of things :D It's a rode lavalier mic and tascam recorder. Nothing expensive but a few tweaks in post and it all sounds ok!
Secrets of the Autofocus flutter.
😁
Fucked that camera off now you'll be pleased to hear.
Loving these Bristol-based vids in particular; as I said in the M5 vid I used to live off J19. The M49 was a Godsend quite often as I had to commute down the M5 on summer afternoons; I'd turn off onto the M4 then down the M49 which would just about feed me directly into the slip-road lane for J19, meaning that I bypassed a fuckton of stationary traffic and didn't have to battle my way across numerous lanes going over the Avonmouth bridge. My route still usually had numerous tailbacks, but even with the massive diversion it still usually shaved at least half-an-hour off the journey time...
Just found you Jon,very original & very funny ‘one liners’,well done 😂👍👊 ‘Crane Driver Twatted a bridge’…🤣
Great video and I absolutely loved the bit of Noel's House Party theme tune at 6.52!
I mean, all the stuff about secret motorways is nice and all that. But I think we should all take a minute to acknowledge the sheer genius of using The Flying Doctors theme tune as an outro. After all, these are the things that dreams are made of.
So, what's the intro theme?
That drone shot 40 seconds in! Breathtaking!
"I'm on a bench" damn, this is the quality content I subscribed for!
Nice bench innit.
@@AutoShenanigans I mean it's a pretty decent bench! haha
Top man! Brilliant wave-off! 😂
A brilliantly put-together video IMHO. Professional quality. Well... given my opinion of stuff on TV these days, far better than professional.
Excellent video John.
Not useless for me, I've taken it loads of times from Somerset to South Wales. I've even gone east onto the M4, when the M5 is busy (like at Christmas when everyone is going to Cribbs Causeway). I didn't know what was happening with the junction though, so thanks for clearing that up
The best outro you have done. Love it
Another great vid - this time of a motorway I’ve not actually used! Thanks, Jon, for bringing me up to speed in this seemingly pointless pavement!
I drove this bad boy on my way to Weston-super-Mare a couple of weeks back. True story!
Classic installment
I can’t wait for your multi-part series on the history and secrets of the A66(M).