Poll: Do you think the new M6 link road will be good news for Shropshire?
The campaign to improve the link between Shropshire's only motorway and the rest of the UK's road network has taken a significant step forwards after a transport minister confirmed it was in the Government's spending plans.
At present, to travel between the M54, the M6 Toll and the northbound M6 involves a detour through a warren of A-roads.
Campaigners lobbying to upgrade Shropshire's transport infrastructure hope to see a new motorway link road built to connect the two.
And after Daniel Kawczynski asked Transport Undersecretary Robert Goodwill about his plans for the road, he received the clearest indication yet that such a road would be built.
Mr Goodwill told the Shrewsbury MP: "The Treasury's Command Paper Investing in Britain's Future set out that the Government will invest over £28 billion in enhancements and maintenance of national and local roads.
"It also confirmed that Government would provide funding to build a number of Highways Agency major road projects, including the M54 to M6 Toll Link Road scheme subject to the finalisation of options and agreement being reached on developer contributions."
It raises hopes that the county's links to the rest of the UK road network are set to be alleviated.
Such a move would significantly ease the time it takes to get from the M54 to the M6 northbound and M6 Toll.
People travelling from the M54 eastbound and wanting to drive south on the M6 are able to stay on the motorway, as are M6 motorists travelling from the north onto the M54 . But those travelling east on the M54 and wanting to travel north on the M6 have to leave the motorway at junction two and take the A449 to junction 12 of the M6 or leave at junction one and travel on the A460 through Featherstone and other A-roads to access both the M6 northbound and the toll.
Mr Kawczynski added: "I'm pleased with the response, it's something we have lobbied on extensively as it is something important for Shropshire, and not only because of tourism. I will continue to push until we have a confirmed announcement of when work is to start."
What do you think? Vote in our poll and have your say in the comments box below.
