National Highways beats the clock with new M42 link

National Highways has opened a new A road and motorway junction to traffic as part of a major improvements scheme.

Since Wednesday (18 Dec) traffic has been able to use the A4545 link road and the new Junction 5a of the M42, part of extensive work to tackle the heavy congestion at M42 Junction 6. National Highways describes the £282m M42 Junction 6 scheme as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the Midlands.

The 2.4km A4545 has initially opened with one lane running in both directions but the dual carriageway is expected to be fully in action by the Spring.

It links 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.

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.’

National Highways said that in 2025 it will be focusing on improving access on and around Junction 6 itself.