Airport boosted by M42 upgrade go-ahead

Highways England has received permssion from the Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps to proceed with its upgrade of the M42 and Junction 6.

The news will come as a boost for Birmingham Airport.

Nick Barton, chief executive of the airport, said: “We’ve worked closely with Highways England to ensure the scheme delivers enhanced connectivity to Birmingham Airport.

Andy Street, mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Of course, we want to encourage more and more people out of their cars and onto public transport, but our highways remain a vital route in and out of the region – particularly for businesses looking to import and export goods.”

The news comes as part of a further package of £43m to increase light rail services, regenerate local economies and make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists announced by Shapps