Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has given the go-ahead for a major new link road between the M54 and M6 motorways in the West Midlands, which could slash journey times.
The project will create a direct connection to the M6's northbound carriageway from the M54 in Staffordshire, delivering significant economic advantages for the region.
The new route promises to transform connectivity for millions of motorists across key West Midlands areas including Telford, Shrewsbury, Cannock and Wolverhampton.
The scheme forms part of a substantial £24billion Government commitment to upgrading Britain's road network, encompassing motorways, A-roads and local streets nationwide.
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Drivers could soon see traffic rates slashed by up to 80 per cent
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A vital transport corridor linking the M54 with the northbound section of the M6 in Staffordshire will be created, addressing a long-standing connectivity gap in the region.
Working families across the West Midlands will gain enhanced access to employment opportunities, while the scheme will strengthen connections to major commercial sites such as the i54 business park and the planned Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Four Ashes.
The project aims to transform the West Midlands into a more attractive destination for living, employment and business investment through improved transport links.
Currently, motorists travelling from the M54 to the M6 northbound must navigate local routes including the A460, A449 and A5, passing through residential areas such as Featherstone, Hilton and Shareshill.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood with West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, National Highways' Nicola Bell, and Sarah Spink of Midlands Connect
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Minister Greenwood emphasised the project's importance for commuters during her visit, stating: "Everyone knows how frustrating it is to be stuck in traffic, especially when trying to get to work.
"This brand-new link road will help create simpler and easier journeys for millions, better connecting people to jobs and driving growth as we deliver our Plan for Change."
She highlighted that the scheme represents "just one of the many road projects we have given the green light", emphasising the Government's £24billion pledge.
The Labour MP for Nottingham South toured the existing route alongside West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, observing the significant traffic volumes currently affecting local roads that the new link will alleviate.
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The new infrastructure could slash traffic volumes on current local routes by approximately 80 per cent, delivering substantial reductions in journey times for motorists.
Villages along existing routes stand to benefit significantly from the diversion of through-traffic, with improvements expected in both road safety and air quality for residents.
The scheme will effectively separate local and long-distance traffic flows, directing vehicles onto appropriate routes according to their destinations.
National Highways Chief Capital Delivery Officer Nicola Bell explained: "This link road will help separate local and long-distance drivers, putting the right traffic on the right roads, relieving congestion, improving safety and supporting economic growth for the Midlands."
The i54 business park sits near Jaguar Land Rover's Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre
The project addresses longstanding concerns about heavy traffic passing through residential communities whilst accessing the M6 northbound from the M54.
Business leaders across the region have welcomed the infrastructure investment, including Ruth Ross, Chief Executive of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the county's strategic position, describing the new route as "very important" for the economy.
Adam Hilton, Managing Director of EAC Telford, praised the development's potential benefits: "A direct motorway connection between the M54 and the M6 north will significantly reduce congestion on surrounding roads, improve reliability for deliveries, and make travel times far more predictable."
He noted that enhanced connectivity to Telford would likely draw increased business investment to the area, describing the project as "a much-needed infrastructure improvement that will have a lasting, positive impact".