Drivers get first outing on brand new multi-million-pound road and motorway junction
A new A-road and motorway junction has finally opened after two-and-a-half years work and millions of pounds of investment.
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The brand new A-road and motorway junction was opened up to traffic for the first time by National Highways on Wednesday.
Traffic was able to use the A4545 link road and the new junction 5a of the M42, marking a significant milestone in a major improvements scheme being carried out by National Highways in the area.
Extensive work is being undertaken in the scheme to tackle the heavy congestion at M42 junction 6, with the A4545 link road costing £282 million to build.
The dual carriageway will link junction 5a on the M42 with the Clock Interchange roundabout, providing direct access from the M42 to Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and a more direct route to the A45 to Birmingham and an alternative to the NEC.
The 2.4km stretch has initially opened with one lane running in both directions but the dual carriageway is expected to be fully in action by the spring.
National Highways regional delivery director, Anita Prashar, said: “Opening up the new link road and junction is an important milestone in this essential scheme which will ultimately ease the congestion issues in the area and promote economic growth.
“We wanted to make sure we opened the road ahead of the Christmas holiday as we know it will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses.
"We’re making journeys easier for motorists heading to Birmingham Airport by providing direct access from the southern M42 to the airport.
“We are delighted to have reached this key milestone but appreciate that more work has to be carried out over the coming months so we are grateful to the local communities and road users for their continued patience.”
