National Highways begins major UK motorway infrastructure projects

National Highways has commenced preparation work on a £200m scheme to create a link road between the M54 and M6 motorways in the West Midlands. The project aims to bridge the gap between the two motorways to reduce heavy goods vehicle traffic on local roads and village high streets. The plan includes replacing M54 junction 1 and M6 junction 11.

Separately, a £27m upgrade has begun on the Thelwall Viaduct in Cheshire. The project involves replacing bridge joints on the 1,370m structure that carries the M6 across the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey. The viaduct handles over 180,000 vehicles daily.

Work on the viaduct includes the installation of scaffolding and will involve overnight work starting September 28. A 24/7 contraflow system is scheduled to begin on October 12, with the project expected to reach completion by winter 2027/28.