Race-the-sun write-up Part 6 - Watford Gap

Watford Gap is a low point (physically, not emotionally, for all the baggage the place name has acquired) between some inconvenient Midland undulations. It has hence been much favoured by wayfare builders over the centuries.
Just outside the village of Watford there is a little B road running West that, in the space of a few hundred yards, crosses four major lines of communication.

 
The Romans, who famously went for straight roads, to show natural objects who's boss, contrived to make one of their major routes go through the Gap.  Somewhat broadened but still arrow-straight, this bit of the road is in use today as the A5.

Later, canal and railway builders, who have very good reason to favour level ground, aimed for the Gap when building their major North-South connections.

Most recently, the M1, shown here with eponymous Services, has jostled through the Gap heading North. (Or heading South, depending on your geographical allegiances.)