Three options for improved highway connections between motorways north of Wolverhampton have been put out to public consultation by the Highways Agency. The upgrade would improve access between the M54 and the M6/M6 Toll in Staffordshire.

The project is expected to reduce congestion on local roads, improve safety and support economic growth in the surrounding area. The Agency says accident rates on the main routes between the M6 and M54 – the A449 and A460 through the village of Featherstone – are higher than the national average for this category of road.

Highway Agency project manager Bill Birkett said: “It is important that people join in the consultation and have their say on the routes being put forward.”

Option A would provide a new road between M54 junction 1 and M6 junction 11, covering approximately 2.5km and bypassing the villages of Featherstone and Shareshill. Option B would see a 3.5km road built on a similar route, but linking with the M6 and M6 Toll further north.

Option C would widen the M54 from Junction 1 to the M6 and convert hard shoulder on the M6 from junction 10a to 11 to a fourth traffic lane – providing extra capacity on the existing route.

The consultation closes on 30 January and a preferred route is expected to be announced soon afterwards. More detailed design work will then be undertaken by Atkins.

In other news, Government has published the results of a feasibility study examining options for improving access to Leeds Bradford Airport. This study was undertaken by the consultancy firms WSP and Parsons Brinckerhoff.

WSP associate director Mike Holmes said: “In the short term highway improvements, particularly a new link road from the A65 to the airport, would be the best option to alleviate local congestion and reducing journey times. In the long term, a new rail link to both Leeds and Bradford would provide new journey opportunities for local and longer distance travellers, and promote the shift away from private car travel.”

Government said in its Autumn Statement that it encourages the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to develop the plans further.

(Photo: Highways Agency)