Newton-le-Willows has a unique history, especially in terms of transport. It has always been on an important north-south route. The Romans recognised this when they built one of their roads, probably to help in their conquest of the north, through Newton. This north-south route continued in importance, although not exactly on the line of the Roman road, later (in 1726) becoming a Turnpike road, on the line of the present A49. About 30 years later the first canal of the Industrial Revolution, the Sankey (or St. Helens) Canal was constructed, going past Newton on the south side. In the next century, what has been called the first 'modern' railway in the world was built, from Liverpool to Manchester, with Newton as an important halfway point. As a direct consequence Newton became important as a locomotive and wagon manufacturer, with exports worldwide, including the first passenger locomotives for India and Japan. Even with the decline of the railways Newton's importance in transport continued. In 1934 the East Lancashire Road (A580) was constructed, a little to the north of Newton. This was an early arterial road purpose-built for motor traffic, also linking Liverpool and Manchester. The M6 Motorway skirts the town to the east, and the M62 crosses this not far to the south of Newton.