Drivers get first outing on brand new road and motorway junction
A brand new A-road and motorway junction were opened up to traffic for the first time by National Highways early today (Wednesday 18 Dec)
Traffic was able to use the A4545 link road and the new junction 5a of the M42 this morning marking a significant milestone in a major improvements scheme being carried out by National Highways in the area.
Extensive work is being undertaken in the scheme to tackle the heavy congestion at M42 junction 6.
The A4545 dual carriageway will link junction 5a on the M42 with the Clock Interchange roundabout - providing direct access from the M42 to Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and a more direct route to the A45 to Birmingham and an alternative to the NEC.
The 2.4km stretch has initially opened with one lane running in both directions but the dual carriageway is expected to be fully in action by the Spring.
Caption: Members of the project team step out on the new A road before it opens to the travelling public
National Highways Regional Delivery Director, Anita Prashar, said:
“Opening up the new link road and junction is an important milestone in this essential scheme which will ultimately ease the congestion issues in the area and promote economic growth.
“We wanted to make sure we opened the road ahead of the Christmas holiday as we know it will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses. We’re making journeys easier for motorists heading to Birmingham Airport by providing direct access from the southern M42 to the airport.
“We are delighted to have reached this key milestone but appreciate that more work has to be carried out over the coming months so we are grateful to the local communities and road users for their continued patience.”
Meanwhile, National Highways and principal contractors Skanska have also been running a Christmas donations drive for Birmingham Dogs Home which is close to the M42 Junction 6 scheme. Yesterday, they handed over more £500 worth of food, treats and other much-needed supplies as well as cash donations to the home.
Caption: Adam Gallis, Patrick Thomson and Ian Garfield, from National Highways and Skanska, were joined by Reeva the dog to drop off Christmas treats to Birmingham Dogs Home
More information about the M42 Junction 6 improvements scheme and upcoming works can be found on the scheme webpage here:
https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/m42-junction-6
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.
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