Local businesses overwhelmingly support M54/M6 link road plan

Local firms along the M54 have backed proposals for a £200m link road to connect the M54 to the M6 northbound, alleviating the congestion that is reportedly costing them time, money and growth opportunities.

Plans for the link road were approved by the government in 2022 and would involve the construction of a new road, linking Junction 1 of the M54 to Junction 11 of the M6.

Currently, to connect between these motorways, long-haul vehicles must travel along the A460 through the villages of Featherstone and Shareshill, facing delays while also impacting the lives of local people.

The Department for Transport’s spending portfolio is currently under review, and local firms are urging the government to make these upgrades a priority. They believe that the implementation of these plans would greatly improve business operations along the M54.

Midlands Connect spoke to local business organisations and firms that rely on local roads such as the A460, A449 and A5 to travel between the M54 and M6. These firms reported that the frequent congestion on local roads, was impacting their operations, stunting their growth and losing them money.

The local businesses unanimously backed the proposals, outlining that the route would help them to grow by supporting access to new markets in the north, improve efficiency, and widening hiring pools.

As a result of this congestion, firms also reported having to take mitigating measures to reduce negative business impacts of these routes.

“[Our driver] will start earlier than usual to avoid rush hour issues. Leaving before rush hour saves time. If we know we’re going somewhere, we plan ahead, especially for scheduled runs. We tend to leave at 07:00 instead of 08:00 to avoid problems.” Said Andy Sims, Environment Health and Safety at manufacturing firms J Banks.

“The environmental impact of taking trucks off urban A roads and onto the motorway is the biggest win, and healthier for the population.” commented Tom Kay, Head of Future Planning at Kuehne + Nagel Government and Defence.

Firms highlighted how the proposals would not just support them but stimulate business activity and facilitate economic growth across Shropshire, the West Midlands, Staffordshire, and further afield.

“In the West Midlands, we've struggled for years with poor road and rail connections. Building capacity and capability in these areas is crucial, especially if it can be done in an environmentally friendly way by keeping traffic flowing and reducing pollution.” said Michael Goodall, Development Manager at Federation of Small Businesses.

Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, commented on Midlands Connect’s report, saying:

“Local firms have highlighted the detrimental impact the route is having on their daily operations, but also their strategic long term growth plans. Being forced to use these local routes to connect between the M54 and M6 is driving up costs and impacting journey reliability, causing some firms to take significant detours to avoid the junction.

“It is clear from the discussions highlighted in this report that there is overwhelming support in the local business community for a new link road. With firms saying the proposed route would reduce journey times, reduce costs, widen hiring pools, and provide the confidence needed to invest in their growth.

“Lack of investment in this link road is holding back our region’s businesses and stifling our economic growth. That’s why I am calling on Department for Transport to progress with funding this long-discussed and much-needed local route.”

Swati Mittal, Integrated Transport Lead from Midlands Connect said:

“It’s great to see local firms overwhelmingly backing a link road for the M54 to the M6. It could create economic growth, help deal with pollution through shorter journeys and create more jobs."