The cutting and the magnificent rocks.
From an article by Richard Catlow: The most important road to be built in the area this century opens next Thursday 18th July, a year ahead of schedule. The Accrington Easterly bypass is the low-key name for a road which will bring far reaching changes to the borough and which is probably the greatest feat of civil engineering North-East Lancashire has ever seen. By linking up the M65 with the M66, the M62 and the whole national motorway network it will put Burnley firmly on Britain's communication map. No longer will the M65 Calder Valley Route be the 'road to nowhere'. In terms of business and housing it will, by slashing journey times, effectively make Burnley part of Greater Manchester.
The three-and-a-quarter mile stretch of roadway between Huncoat and Rising Bridge costing £8.5m is built almost to motorway standards. It will be named the A56 and the existing A56 between the A622 (south of Rawtenstall) and the A648 (at the Rossendale Road Glen View Road junction at Burnley's Summit) will then be 'de-trunked' and become the A682.
The most impressive section of the new road is immediately south of Huncoat where a huge slice has been taken out of the slopes of Great Hameldon for the new road to pass through. This cutting, several hundred feet deep, is awe-inspiring. Most of the depth was poor-quality stone and shale and so the bulk of the steep sides are grassed, but a 20ft. stratum of fine orange-brown rock has been cut into shape and provides a memorable sight on either side. Beyond this non-walkers will be surprised at some of the attractive countryside revealed by the new route. Walkers might have their reservations however.