The Government has confirmed the long-awaited M54 to M6 Link Road as a flagship project within its £27 billion national road investment strategy, marking a major breakthrough for Telford’s transport network and future growth.

Published last week, the Government’s road strategy sets out a once-in-a-generation programme of infrastructure investment, with the M54–M6 link identified as a key scheme to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and unlock economic potential across the Midlands.

The £200 million project will directly connect the M54 to the M6 northbound, addressing a long-standing gap in the motorway network dating back to the creation of the M54 in the 1970s.  Construction is expected to begin within the current road investment period, with the road open to traffic before its conclusion.

Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, has championed the project for more than a decade first as Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council and more recently in Parliament following his election in July 2024. He has welcomed the announcement as a transformational moment for Telford.

“After 10 years of fighting for this vital connection, I am absolutely thrilled that the M54 to M6 Link Road is now going ahead. This is a huge win for Telford and a clear sign that our town is firmly on the map for major national investment.”

The scheme is expected to deliver significant benefits for residents and businesses, including:

• Removing up to 19,000 vehicles a day from congested local roads
• Cutting journey times for commuters and freight
• Boosting the local economy by more than £600 million
• Strengthening links to Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, and the wider West Midlands as well as to the North of England

The project forms part of a broader package that also includes the M60 Simister Island scheme in Greater Manchester, with both developments playing a crucial role in supporting regional growth and improving strategic transport links.

Local businesses have strongly backed the investment. Michael Harte, Director at Bridge Cheese in Telford, said: “The new M54 to M6 link road will improve transport routes by reducing congestion on local roads and cutting journey times, supporting the excellent service that will allow our business to continue growing.”

Shaun added: “For years, residents and businesses have faced delays and congestion. Now we can look forward to a future with better connectivity, stronger growth, and improved daily life for thousands of people. I’ve heard directly from local businesses about the difference this link road will make from creating jobs, unlocking opportunities, and supporting growth. This is what real investment in our region looks like.

“Telford is on the move and this is just the start.”

Shaun has also secured record investment for road repairs and upgrades in Telford. Telford & Wrekin Council will receive up to £36.1m in local roads funding over the course of the current Parliament, thanks to the Government’s doubling of roads funding for local authorities – this is a £7.3bn funding increase. Shaun is also campaigning for better and more reliable train links from the town to Wolverhampton, Birmingham and directly to London.