M54 – M6 link road appeal by Council leaders
The current congestion around the A460 which connects the M54 with the M6 and the Toll Road, could be a thing of the past if the government make it a priority in the spending review.
The plans involve the construction of a new road connecting Junction 1 of the M54 to Junction 11 of the M6 and in a letter addressed to the Rt Hon Heidi Alexander, Secretary of State for Transport, Department for Transport (DfT), Telford & Wrekin Council, Staffordshire County Council, City of Stoke-on-Trent Council, South Staffordshire Council and Shropshire Council, along with Midlands Connect, have collectively urged the transport secretary to visit the area and see first-hand the potential benefits this project could deliver.
Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of the Council said: “This proposal has been milling around since 2014. It’s time for action; approvals are in place and major work has already started on site. We know we can reply on a swift decision from government to make this scheme a priority in its spending review.
“Our partnership shows unwavering support for the project that even government-owned National Highways has said; ‘Will deliver economic growth, journey time savings and offers the best value for money to taxpayers’.”
“We invite the transport secretary to visit so we can facilitate a speedy decision and unlock the obvious benefits for the Midlands.”
A National Highways spokesperson said: “Preparation works and surveys continue around the M54 to M6 Link Road scheme as part of our ongoing commitment to the project. This, like many other current and future road schemes, is included in the Department for Transport’s spending review. We continue to progress the scheme while we await the results of that ongoing review.”
According to Midlands Connect, a new direct connection would remove over a million cars and lorries from local roads, improve connectivity, reduce congestion and emissions by diverting trucks from urban A-roads, and support long-term regional investment.
Pic: Cllr Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council
