The UK Government has officially confirmed £200 million in funding to construct a new 1.6-mile bypass that will provide a direct link from the M54 motorway to the northbound M6. This project, which aims to resolve a long-standing gap in the regional motorway network in Telford and surrounding areas, was announced on 26 March 2026 as a flagship scheme within the government’s wider £27 billion Road Investment Strategy 3.
The new road will connect Junction 1 of the M54 at Featherstone to the M6 at Laney Green in Staffordshire. The connection is intended to replace the current route that forces motorists onto local roads, specifically the A460, as they travel between the two motorways. According to National Highways, the project is expected to remove up to 19,000 vehicles per day from local roads, including Featherstone, Hilton, and Shareshill, which currently experience significant congestion and safety issues.
Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Lee Carter welcomed the investment, noting that the project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the region, estimated between £555 million and £634 million. By improving connectivity and reducing journey times, the bypass is anticipated to support local businesses and improve access to key employment areas for residents.
The scheme has been in development for several years, receiving its Development Consent Order in April 2022 and further government approval in July 2025. While preparatory survey work has been ongoing since the start of 2026, the project is currently moving toward its target completion date in 2031. The Department for Transport, led by Secretary of State Heidi Alexander, has prioritised this link as part of a national effort to upgrade and future-proof the road network.
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