A £200 million Government‑backed road scheme will significantly improve motorway connectivity into Shropshire, strengthening the county’s offer to investors, businesses and employers across key growth sectors.

The two‑mile link road, announced recently, will close a long‑standing gap in Telford’s motorway network by connecting the M6 at Laney Green in Staffordshire with Junction 1 of the M54 at Featherstone. Once complete, the new route will provide faster, more reliable access to Shropshire and the wider Marches region, supporting business growth, inward investment and job creation.

The project received Government approval in 2025, with survey work on the finalised preferred route underway since the start of this year. The route is scheduled to open to traffic within the next five years.

The scheme sends a strong signal of confidence in the area’s economic potential, helping to unlock development opportunities, attract new businesses and support existing employers to grow.

Matt Potts, Service Manager – Economy, Funding and Skills at Shropshire Council commented,

“This is extremely positive news for Shropshire, and we are delighted that the Government is prioritising infrastructure that is so vital for the county.

This strengthens our position, supporting the growth of our major employers and enabling us to attract new investment and jobs for Shropshire. This link road will also enhance our connections to the Black Country, Staffordshire and the wider West Midlands, whilst reducing journey times and congestion.

We look forward to the development of this programme and to seeing the benefits of its completion to Shropshire.”

Photo courtesy of Telford & Wrekin Council