M6 link road funding to improve Staffordshire gateways

Treasury Chief Secretary Danny Alexander has included the planned new link road between the M54 and M6 Toll in a £100 billion package of measures.

Opening up the hard shoulder of the M6 from junctions 10A for Essington to 13 for Stafford is also included. The news was today welcomed by council chiefs and business bosses in the county, who hailed it as 'crucial to growth'.

The long-standing plans for a link between the M54 and M6 Toll have been drawn up by the Highways Agency to cut congestion and improve links to the nearby i54 business park, in Wobaston Road, Pendeford.

Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, today said: "Excellent highways and transport links are crucial to fulfil our bold ambitions to deliver jobs, growth and investment across the county.

"I am delighted that the investment around the M6 will further improve the gateways to Staffordshire and will boost links to flagship schemes such as i54 South Staffordshire.

"This, together with our investment with partners to deliver superfast broadband in the county, will help establish Staffordshire as a truly connected county."

The chairman of Staffordshire's Local Enterprise Partnership also welcomed the investment.

Ron Dougan said: "Good infrastructure is good for business and will support our work in attracting inward investment and increasing job creation.

"Of particular note are the commitment to building the M54/M6 link road, improving accessibility to one of the region's most important business hubs at i54 South Staffordshire."

Danny Alexander yesterday unveiled the Government's allocations for major infrastructure projects, together with extra funding for broadband and flood defences.

Drivers in the West Midlands can already use the hard shoulder during busy times on the M6 from junction 10 for Walsall to junction 8 for Great Barr. It was brought in to alleviate congestion on one of the busiest stretches of road in the country.