It has been described as "the modern gateway to Cumbria, the North East and Scotland",[1] and is a primary destination signed from as far away as the M6 motorway, 50 miles (80 kilometres) away.

There are also three other exits from the junction: the A6055 road north and south, with the southbound side leading to the A6108 towards the Yorkshire Dales and Richmond.

The Romans were responsible for building the first roads to meet at this point and the site of the original junction is just a few hundred yards away from the modern day intersection.

[3] In AD 71 the Romans took control of the area when they defeated the Brigantes, a Celtic tribe at the Battle of Scotch Corner (1st century).

[7] The £8 million Scotch Corner diversion opened in July 1971, which created a grade separated junction on the A1.