The option for a tolled Expressway on the M6 between Birmingham and Manchester, has been shelved.
Transport Minister, Stephen Ladyman, said: “Having considered all the options, I am clear that the right way forward is for the Highways Agency to focus on delivering one extra lane in each direction on the M6. We have carried out detailed analysis and the extra works and land required and the costs involved do not support further work on the Expressway.”
It was found that the Expressway option would be more difficult to construct than initially believed at a cost of £3.5billion, requiring 50 per cent more land than the widening option.
Ladyman said: “I am clear that the widening would need to be accompanied by demand management measures to ensure that the benefits of the additional capacity are locked-in, and not lost through increased traffic levels. I have therefore asked the Highways Agency to press ahead with the preparation of detailed proposals.
“It is absolutely right that we investigate the options thoroughly when considering investment on this scale.”
