Backlash over huge £200m motorway project connecting major UK cities
The M54 to M6 link road is planned in the West Midlands between Stock-on-Trent and Wolverhampton.
There has been backlash over delays to a huge £200million motorway project set to connect major UK cities.
The M54 to M6 link road is planned in the West Midlands between Stock-on-Trent and Wolverhampton, near Birmingham.
Authorities hope the £200m scheme will ease traffic congestion on local roads through villages, which causes high accident rates and air quality issues.
Now, the former Education and Defence Secretary is calling on the government to get things moving for his constituents.
Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, said on X (formerly Twitter): “I have called on the Transport Secretary to provide an urgent update in relation to the M54 and M6 link road scheme.
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“As many of us will know, it can be a nightmare travelling along the A460 owing to congestion. This scheme must move at pace.”
The main connecting road used currently, the A460, has just one lane in each direction with numerous junctions and stretches of road with a 30mph speed limit.
National Highways has said that the road was not designed for the amount and type of traffic currently using it but is forced to due to the lack of motorway connection between the M54 and M6.
Williamson’s letter to Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: “I wanted to write to you in relation to the situation of the M54 to M6 northern link road.
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I have called on the Transport Secretary to provide an urgent update in relation to the M54 and M6 link road scheme.
— Sir Gavin Williamson CBE MP (@GavinWilliamson) August 13, 2024
As many of us will know, it can be a nightmare travelling along the A460 owing to congestion. This scheme must move at pace. pic.twitter.com/Ed9NCZNTwZ
“As I am sure you are aware, this is a project that has been consulted on and approved, yet still awaits the notice for the project to move forward.
“Obviously this is a continuing problem for local residents as the A460 is becoming increasingly connected.
“I wondered if you would be assemble to give me an update as to the progress of this and as to when works are due to start. I would very much appreciate your time on this matter.”
The 1.6-mile road link was first proposed in 2014, meaning locals have been waiting a decade for the change. When the proposed link road is open, it could reduce traffic on the A460 to around 4,000 vehicles each day, from 26,500 currently.
