Call for motorway link as road turns 25
The M54 should be extended to Shrewsbury to boost business in the town, says its MP.
Daniel Kawczynski marked the 25th anniversary of the dual carriageway from Shrewsbury to Wellington by repeating his call for it to be upgraded to motorway status.
The road, which runs from the motorway at Junction 7 to Preston, on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, was opened on August 11, 1992 by then roads minister Kenneth Carlisle.
Mr Kawczynski said he was lobbying Highways England for the road to be reclassified, saying it would bring a major boost in investment in the town.
"Foreign companies will invest in areas on the motorway network, so it is essential we achieve this upgrade," he said.
"I have seen businesses rule out areas of the UK based on the motorway network.
“Until we get the motorway network extended to Shrewsbury it is proving difficult for some people who want to invest and that is why this is such an important issue.”
Last year Highways England invited Mr Kawczynski to submit his case for the upgrade.
His call has also been backed by president of Shrewsbury Business Chamber Peter Bettis, who said a direct motorway link would be a major boost to the town.
