It seems unthinkable nowadays that a motorway could open to traffic without protective barriers on the central reservation but it did happen in the past.

The Watford Observer is delighted to share pictures from the archive at Watford Museum and this week we are sharing this view of a motorway near Watford.

The museum’s volunteer archivist Christine Orchard said: “This view of a local part of the M1 was photographed by Bob Nunn in May 1960.

“This length was very new having been opened between Junction 5 (Watford) and Junction 18 (Crick/Rugby) on November 2, 1959 - the stretch between junctions 1 and 5 did not open until 1977.

“Unlike today, the roadway in this photo has a wide-open feel as no Armco barriers had been installed on the central reservation!

“I wonder if anyone has any recollections of driving along the M1 in the early days and its link with the A41?”

Visit the Museum Facebook page or website www.watfordmuseum.org.uk to see more historic photos.