A38/M42/A42 corridor

The A38/M42/A42 corridor is integral to connecting the East and West Midlands. Home to over 2 million economically active residents working in 1.4 million jobs, the corridor represents 33% of all employment within the Midlands Connect area. The A38 and M42/A42 connect some of the largest cities in our region, as well as international gateways at Birmingham and East Midlands Airports, and subsequently supports housing growth, as well as improving the quality of life for those living and working in the corridor.

What is the scheme?

We're working on a long-term, corridor approach to improving the corridor. We undertook a study in 2019/20 to explore the strategic and economic narrative of the route, alongside opportunities to improve journey times and reliability.

We have produced a coherent strategy for the A38/M42/A42 corridor, illustrating how enhancements would provide a boost to the Midlands, allowing businesses to benefit from the strategic national connectivity provided by the corridor and attracting investment.

What happens next?

We are continuing to work with partners to identify how we can support aspirations to improve connectivity, journey times and safety along the corridor. The routes will be integral to the success of the only inland Freeport, with three sites spanning the northern edge of the corridor in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

We are also supporting the delivery of the committed A38 Derby junction scheme, including enhancements to three junctions which causes significant congestion and was confirmed in the Department for Transport’s Road Investment Strategy programme, for delivery from 2020-2025.