M54 to M6 link road
This scheme will provide an improved link between the M54 and the M6. Currently, there's no direct motorway link from the M54 to the M6 north. This means high volumes of both long distance and local traffic use the local roads to travel this route.
Latest updates
-
20 September 2024
Ongoing Preparatory Works and Scheme Update
We wanted to share a quick update, as we know it’s been a while since you last heard from us. Preparatory works are under way and due to end in December 2024. Utility company Cadent are currently diverting a high-pressure gas pipeline, so you may start to see more activity over the coming months.
We’re still in the process of appointing a new delivery partner. This is a complex task which requires some time; however, we’re making steady progress.
Please note, the Transport Secretary has commissioned a review of the Department for Transports’ spending portfolio, including current and future road schemes. While the review is ongoing, we’re continuing with the preparatory works and remain committed to the project.
Read the Secretary of State’s written statement to Parliament of 30 July 2024.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email M54toM6linkroad@nationalhighways.co.uk.
-
18 July 2023
Assessment work continues
In our last update, we explained that we were pausing our early preparation work for the M54 to M6 link road to allow time for further detailed designs.
Since then, we’ve been carrying out assessments so the building of the scheme has as little impact as possible on the local community and environment. As a result of these assessments, we’ve reviewed how we’ll work with our supply chain to build this scheme.
Consequently, BAM Nuttall Ltd’s involvement in this project will come to an end. We’re working with our supply chain to identify a new delivery partner for the scheme and we’ll set out when construction will start as soon as possible after that.
We remain committed to building this link road, which will bring a wealth of benefits to the area including more reliable journey times for motorists and enhanced facilities for local residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians.
-
21 October 2022
Advance work delayed
On 21 April 2022, the M54 to M6 Link Road Development Consent Order 2022 (the "Order") was granted under the Planning Act 2008 by the Secretary of State for Transport.
Since then, we’ve continued with our detailed design and carried out environmental surveys so we fully understand the environmental considerations and make sure we minimise the impact of our work on the local community and environment.
Ahead of main construction work we’d planned to deliver some advance work, including vegetation clearance and setting up our compound areas, between October and December 2022. This work will now commence in 2023 to allow our team to complete further detailed designs so we can deliver the scheme in the most efficient way.
We remain committed to building the scheme which will deliver many benefits to both the local area and motorists by separating long distance and local traffic and improving journey times.
-
22 April 2022
Development Consent Order decision
On Thursday 21 April, the Secretary of State for Transport approved the M54 to M6 Link Road project’s Development Consent Order, meaning we now have planning permission to build the new road. We’ll be coming back to you soon to let you know how we plan to build the project.
You can find out more on the Planning Inspectorate's website.
-
16 March 2021
Survey work completed
We’ve completed our archaeological trial trenching and ground investigation surveys along the proposed route of the M54 to M6 Link Road. Thanks for your patience and understanding whilst we’ve been carrying these out.
The surveys included:
- ground investigation
- archaeological trial trenching
The ground investigation surveys are important. They will help us develop our plans about how we will build the road. The surveys will help us identify the kind of rocks and soils on which we will build the road, should the Secretary of State approve our development consent application.
The archaeological trial trench surveys will tell us if there are any archaeological remains in the area.
These surveys will help us develop our plans for how we will build the road, if the Secretary of State approves our application for development consent. We expect a decision in late 2021.
We'll continue to carry out environmental surveys throughout the coming months. You may see some activity on private land and road verges during this time.
-
11 December 2020
Development consent order update
The Planning Inspectorate has reviewed and accepted the proposed changes we submitted following our recent consultation.
The Planning Inspectorate (acting on behalf of the Secretary of State) will now begin to examine the application in public hearings and then make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport, who will decide on whether or not the scheme will go ahead. The planning inspectorate has six months to carry out the Examination.
This short video explains how we develop a new road scheme and how you can get involved.
-
19 October 2020
Proposed changes consultation
Our consultation on the proposed changes we’re making to the scheme closed on 21 September 2020.
After reviewing the feedback we received, we’ve decided to submit all seven changes to the Planning Inspectorate for review.
We submitted these on 9 October 2020. You can view the changes and the consultation statement on the Planning Inspectorate’s web page. The Planning Inspectorate will review the changes and decide whether or not to accept them for Examination.
Project information
Overview
Following consultation, we have selected a preferred route that provides the highest economic benefits, will provide the greatest journey time savings, has the least impact on ancient woodland, provides the best value for money to taxpayers and is preferred by most of the respondents to the options consultation.
As well as providing an improved link, we also plan to replace M54 J1 and M6 J11.
Benefits
Road users wanting to access the M6 north or M6 Toll must use local roads such as the A460, A449 and A5. This means high volumes of both long-distance and local traffic use the local roads to travel this route. A large volume of local and long-distance traffic uses the A460, which passes through the villages of Featherstone, Hilton and Shareshill.
The A460 has just one lane in each direction with numerous junctions and stretches of road with a 30mph speed limit. It was not designed for the amount and type of traffic currently using it. This results in delays, congestion and high accident rates. There are also air quality issues in the villages along the A460 due to the high volume of traffic.
The A460 currently carries about 26,500 vehicles each day with heavy goods vehicles making up about 10% of this figure. When the proposed link road is open, it could reduce traffic on the A460 to around 4,000 vehicles each day. This will create a safer and less congested environment for local road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.
Improving the link between the M54 and the M6 will:
- Provide additional capacity and relieve traffic congestion on the A460, A449, and A5, providing more reliable journey times
- enhance facilities for local residents, pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians
- improve customer journeys from east to west and north to south. This will support local economic growth for Telford, Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton, Cannock and Tamworth by improving traffic flow and enhanced east-west and north-south routes
- keep the right traffic on the right roads by separating local traffic from long-distance and commuter traffic
Documents
Related Road projects
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.X
Manage your cookie preferences to view the content on this page
Sign up for updates!
Keep up to date with what's happening on this scheme by signing up to our updates.
