A major new road project aimed at easing congestion in the West Midlands has been given the go ahead.
The Government has today awarded the green light to the M54-M6 link road near Wolverhampton.
At present, drivers can stay on the M54 to its end in Essington, north-east of Wolverhampton, and join the M6 southbound directly but cannot do the same for northbound routes.
Instead, they have to exit the motorway at either junctions two or one and travel through local villages via the A449 or A460 before joining the M6 north.
The new link road will be around 1.6 miles in length and run from junction one of the M54 to junction 11 of the M6.
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There will be a new junction at junction one of the M54 to provide direct links between the M54 and link road and to maintain connections to the local road network.
Hilton Lane will be realigned over the new link road and there will also be a new junction at junction 11 of the M6 near Cannock alongside capacity improvements and changes proposed to Mill Lane.
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Development consent was initially awarded by the Planning Inspectorate in 2022 and the project has now received the full backing of the Department for Transport.
The DfT has not yet indicated when work is likely to start on the link road nor when it will open.
It is hoped the link road will cut journey times and alleviate major congestion problems, particularly among freight lorries using the local A roads.
Research by transport body Midlands Connect suggests the A460 carries approximately 23,000 vehicles each day, more than a quarter of which are freight, which could reduce to around 4,000 per day.
Among the other likely beneficiaries will be the i54 employment park at junction two of the M54 where luxury car maker JLR has its Engine Manufacturing Centre.
Work is also under way to create West Midlands Interchange, a major new, freight-focused logistics hub west of the M6 at Four Ashes close to where the link road will run.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Transport is the backbone of our economy which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers' money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.
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"With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we're delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes as we deliver our Plan for Change.
"We're forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we've already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity."
Midlands Connect's chief executive Maria Machancoses said: "This link road is critical to alleviate congestion, improve connectivity and unlock economic growth for Telford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Cannon, Tamworth and the wider region.
"We will see smoother traffic flow as a result, easing the pressure on villages currently blighted by tailbacks.
"The funding announcement is a great result for businesses and residents of this area and we look forward to working with partners to make it a reality."
Sir Gavin Williamson, MP for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge, added: "I am delighted that the M54-M6 northern link road will be funded.
"This will have a transformative impact for residents of Featherstone, Shareshill and surrounding villages, whose lives have been blighted by congestion.
"I have campaigned alongside Midlands Connect for this link road to be built and I am so pleased that it will now go ahead."