Flower power! Youngsters help National Highways brighten up new A-road to celebrate end of centenary
Schoolchildren have helped National Highways mark the end of the centenary of A- roads by planting wildflowers along the newest to be built.
The Government-owned company has spent the last 12 months marking 100 years of road numbering in Britain to celebrate the vital role A-roads play in connecting the country and supporting economic growth.
The A4545 in the West Midlands is currently under construction as part of the M42 junction 6 upgrade and is due to open this winter.
The 2.4km dual carriageway aligned to the west of Bickenhill will improve access to key businesses – including an expanding Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International Station, the new HS2 interchange station – from a new junction 5a.
Regional Delivery Director for National Highways’ major projects in the Midlands Anita Prashar said:
“At National Highways we are committed to our responsibility for the ongoing stewardship and evolution of A-roads, now and for the future. We’re delighted the children from Kingshurst primary school could join us to help make the new A4545 a colourful, biodiverse place that will attract wildlife and pollinators in the future, but also bring our year of celebrations for the centenary of A-roads to a fitting end.
“Modern A-roads still play a vital role in helping millions of people to travel smoothly, speedily, and safely across the country. For thousands of businesses, they are essential to their commercial success and growth, and they depend on them for sourcing workers, receiving supplies, and making deliveries.
“The new A4545 is an incredibly important part of the M42 J6 upgrade because it will unlock congestion and provide a new link to many key businesses and venues. Through increased capacity and more reliable journey times, the project as a whole will encourage continued investment in the regional economy and support new corporate, commercial and residential development opportunities.”
Teacher Viv Gittoes from Kingshurst Primary School said:
“It was a great privilege to be invited along on the day to help plant the wildflowers and mark the end of the 100 years of A-roads campaign. The children had a marvellous time and really enjoyed themselves. They also loved being able to sit in the truck and learn more about how it worked. We are grateful that we were able to attend.”
Dan Trathen, Project Director for Skanska, added:
"Skanska is proud to be a part of this significant project that marks the end of the centenary of A-roads. Like National Highways, we understand the integral role that well-connected and efficiently functioning roads play in our society. They are indeed lifelines for businesses, facilitating smooth and timely transport of goods, services, and workforce.
“The construction of the new A4545 as part of the M42 junction 6 upgrade is not just about building a road; it's about creating an enabler for economic growth and development. With improved access to key establishments such as Birmingham Airport, NEC, Birmingham International Station, and the new HS2 interchange station from a new junction 5a, we foresee an enhancement in productivity and business potential in the region.
“Our collaboration with Kingshurst primary school children to plant wildflower seeds along the road symbolizes our commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. It's been fantastic to involve local children in this initiative - they brought great enthusiasm and energy which resonates with Skanska’s commitment towards sustainable solutions.
“At Skanska, we believe in delivering projects that go beyond their primary purpose by contributing positively to local communities and environments. We are thrilled to contribute towards easing congestion through this project while also providing an attractive landscape for both wildlife and people who use the road.
“We look forward to seeing how this development will support regional economic investment while simultaneously enhancing residential, corporate, and commercial opportunities."
Hire and Haulage showing the children how to stay safe around HGVs. The children were shown about HGV blind spots and were given a special demonstration showing a rigid Hiab, a vehicle made up of a truck, trailer and lorry-mounted crane all in one rigid structure, in action. Throughout their visit they were kitted out in personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by Greenham.
A-roads make up over half of England’s of strategic road network, which is 4,300 miles of trunk roads and motorways. They often follow routes that have been used by people and communities for centuries.
You can read more about 100 Years of A-Roads here while further details about the M42 junction 6 improvement can be found here.
Notes to Editors
National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.
For further information please contact National Highways' press office (24hrs) on 0844 693 1448 and select the most appropriate option:
Option 1: National enquiries (9am to 5.30pm) and out of hours for urgent enquiriesOption 2: North West (9am to 5.30pm)Option 3: Yorkshire and North East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 4: West Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 5: East Midlands (9am to 5.30pm)Option 6: East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 7: South East (9am to 5.30pm)Option 8: South West (9am to 5.30pm)
