Link road connecting the M54 and the M6 northbound will unlock the economy of the area

A new connection will get cars off local roads, thanks to funding announced today

Currently no direct motorway link from the M54 to the M6 north means road users wanting to access the M6 north or M6 Toll must use local roads such as the A460.

This means high volumes of both long-distance and local traffic passes through the villages of Featherstone, Hilton and Shareshill.

Business, politicians and residents nearby have long backed Midlands Connect's call for new link road approximately 2.5 km/ 1.6 miles lone, taking trucks off urban A roads to improve journeys for everyone in the area. 

Research by Midlands Connect showed the A460 carries approximately 23,000 vehicles each day; 28% of which are freight vehicles. When the new link road is opened, this could reduce to approximately 4,000 vehicles each day on the A460, significantly reducing delays and tailbacks. 

Commenting on the announcement of funding for the M54-M6 Link Road, the CEO of Midlands Connect 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, said:

“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.”