NEC junction set for improvement

THE HIGHWAYS Agency has agreed £7.4million worth of improvements for the A45 island at junction 6 of the M42 for the NEC.

The project - to be carried out in 2014 - will see the widening of the roundabout and its approach and exit roads to reduce congestion - particularly when major events are taking place at the NEC.

The island carries traffic to and from the Birmingham Business Park, Birmingham International Airport and the proposed NEC leisure complex.

A further 20 road improvement schemes costing £51.5 million are taking place across the Midlands as part of a nation £217 million programme to boost the economy, reduce congestion and improve road safety.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “These £217 million road improvements prove the Government’s determination to accelerate growth and cut congestion.

"By removing bottlenecks and improving access to local enterprise zones, key international trading ports and communities, these road schemes will help get people to and from work and power the economy.

"They also have the potential to help deliver more than 300,000 new jobs and 150,000 new homes."

Commenting on the planned improvement, Caroline Spelman, MP for Meriden, added: "This is a really excellent piece of good news as it's not just local people who know what a jam can occur at junction 6.

"For regular commuters like myself it can mean the difference between catching the train you need or not, so the new scheme will secure a lasting improvement.”

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