Alexander Thomas
16 Jan 2025 · Coroner Adrian Farrow · Manchester South
This report repeats 1 earlier warning. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. easily accessible walkway to motorway
“During the inquest, I heard that [REDACTED] is a pedestrian walkway running underneath the M56 motorway. On the northern side of the motorway (eastbound carriageway side) the entrance to the walkway tunnel is constructed so that the buttress walls form a ramp-like structure which has a shallow gradient topped with a waist-high railing which provides an easily accessible and walkable route from the footpath to the Armco crash barrier bordering the hard shoulder of the eastbound motorway carriage”
2. unauthorised ladder access to motorway
“Also leading from [REDACTED] is an established track through undergrowth running west parallel to the motorway. That path leads directly to a fixed bespoke metal ladder which appears to be specifically positioned so as to enable a person to climb up to the Armco crash barrier bordering the hard shoulder of the eastbound carriageway”
3. unfenced barrier access to motorway
“There is no fencing to prevent access over the Armco crash barrier onto the motorway itself along this stretch of the eastbound carriageway, in contrast to the substantial fencing positioned behind the Armco crash barrier along the opposite stretch of the westbound carriageway”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“The steps afford open access to the M56 motorway (although their original design purpose is seemingly now redundant);”
This report
“During the inquest, I heard that [REDACTED] is a pedestrian walkway running underneath the M56 motorway. On the northern side of the motorway (eastbound carriageway side) the entrance to the walkway tunnel is constructed so that the buttress walls form a ramp-like structure which has a shallow gradient topped with a waist-high railing which provides an easily accessible and walkable route from the footpath to the Armco crash barrier bordering the hard shoulder of the eastbound motorway carriage”