UK Government Approves £200m M54-M6 Link Road to Cut Midlands Congestion

The UK Government has approved a £200 million project to construct a direct link road between the M54 and M6 northbound, addressing a longstanding traffic bottleneck affecting thousands of drivers in the Midlands. The new 1.6-mile road will reduce congestion on local roads such as the A460 by removing an estimated 19,000 vehicles per day, cutting journey times and improving access to key economic hubs including the i54 business park, Jaguar Land Rover engine plant, and the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Four Ashes. Local leaders, including West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker and Telford & Wrekin Council Leader Lee Carter, have hailed the scheme as a vital boost for economic growth, job creation, and regional connectivity, emphasizing its importance for Telford and the wider Midlands economy. The project is part of a broader £92 billion government investment in transport infrastructure aimed at accelerating economic growth, supporting new homes, and enhancing transport across the North and Midlands. Additional projects like the Simister Island interchange upgrade in the North West have also received funding, reflecting a comprehensive approach to easing congestion and fostering economic development. This new link road is expected to generate between £555 million and £634 million in economic benefits, positioning it as a pivotal infrastructure upgrade for the region.