Link road between Midland motorways moves a step closer

An extra stretch of road would be built to link the M6, M6 Toll and the M54, under plans.

Campaigners have long been lobbying to see the motorway link road introduced.

It is hoped the move would significantly reduce the time it takes drivers to travel between the M54 and M6, as well as the M6 Toll.

Currently drivers have to take a detour on A-roads in the Black Country to access the M6 northbound from the M54.

Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski has campaigned on the issue and asked Transport Under Secretary Robert Goodwill about plans for the road.

Mr Goodwill told the MP: "The Treasury's Command Paper Investing in Britain's Future set out that the Government will invest over £28 billion in enhancements and maintenance of national and local roads.

"It also confirmed that Government would provide funding to build a number of Highways Agency major road projects, including the M54 to M6 Toll Link Road scheme subject to the finalisation of options and agreement being reached on developer contributions."

The news has been welcomed by campaigners.

Mr Kawczynski said: "I'm pleased with the response, it's something we have lobbied on extensively as it is something that's extremely important for Shropshire, and not only because of tourism.

"I welcome and am encouraged by this, but will continue to push until we have a confirmed announcement of when work is to start."

The £900 million M6 Toll motorway carries around half the 70,000 vehicles it was expected to service every year, and drivers instead continue to use the clogged-up M6 to bypass Birmingham.

A new M54 link road would potentially deliver a boost to its numbers.

It was recently claimed that a lack of signs linking the M54 with the M6 Toll could be holding back the growth of the economy.

Drivers in the West Midlands have faced almost two years of misery as work was carried out to open up all four lanes of the carriageway.

Work had been going on since June 2012 to open up a fourth lane between junctions five and eight as part of a £126million scheme and ended recently.

The hard shoulder is now open at peak times in the mornings and evenings.

Work is continuing further north where 50mph speed restrictions are in place between junctions 10A, for the M54, and 13 for Eccleshall as the hard shoulder is again opened up.

Speed cameras in place on the stretch were branded a 'cynical attempt' to catch drivers out, although bosses say it is due to the 'limited space' they have near the Penkridge viaduct.