M6 Junction 10 overhaul: £65m project to start in 2018
A £65m overhaul of the busy Junction 10 of the M6 in the West Midlands will start in 2018, it was announced this afternoon.
Transport chiefs today revealed more details about the major project, which they say will ease congestion and improve safety on the notoriously-busy section of the motorway.
Walsall Council and Highways England announced a public consultation will be held starting tomorrow, and running until January 24 next year.
A project spokesman said today: "The junction is of strategic importance to Walsall and the wider area, providing access to the West Midlands. However, these queues affect the local community and business environment quite significantly, making it harder for businesses to get their goods and services to market, impacting local businesses and jobs."
The two preferred options being put forward for the roundabout above the junction involve either two new straight four lane bridges, or two new curved four lane bridges. Click here for the full details
The project aims to cut congestion on the A454 Black Contry Route eastbound, and roads such as the A454 Wolverhampton Road, B4464 Wolverhampton Road West and Bloxwich Lane.
Bridges over the M6 will be replaced, and condition for cyclists and pedestrians will also be improved.
Public consultation events will be held on:
Friday 4 December 2015, 12pm-4pm, Tesco Willenhall Superstore, Owne Road, WV13 2PZ
Saturday 5 December 2015, 10am-2pm, Holiday Inn, Wolverhampton Road West, WS2 0BS
Monday 7 December 2015, 2pm-8pm at The Village Hotel, Tempus Drive, WS2 8TJ
Walsall Council deputy leader Adrian Andrew said: "Junction 10 is a very busy junction between Walsall and Wolverhampton and is located on one of the busiest sections of motorway in Europe.
"The junction impacts on many local people; I grew up near Junction 10 and I think the improvements need to be made.
"It provides a key access to the national motorway network. The aim is to cut down on the chronic congestion that cripples the island and motorway at peak times during the day.
"This will not be a quick and simple solution to a problem that's been building for decades. People will have to have some patience while work is taking place.
"We have to get it spot on, pure and simple and that's why we're seeking public involvement.
"These improvements will affect everybody that uses this busy area, from motorists, pedestrians and cyclists getting to and from work and businesses that need to transport their goods and services to the rest of the country.
"The scheme will help safeguard jobs because businesses will want to stay in the region and not move to pastures new. And it will mean new businesses are more than likely to invest here.
