A brand new A-road and motorway junction has been opened up to traffic for the first time by National Highways.

Traffic was able to use the A4545 link road and the new junction 5a of the M42 this morning marking what the government-owned company calls a significant milestone in a major improvements scheme being carried out in the area.

The A4545 dual carriageway will link junction 5a on the M42 with the Clock Interchange roundabout – providing direct access from the M42 to Birmingham Airport, Birmingham Business Park and a more direct route to the A45 to Birmingham and an alternative to the NEC.

The 2.4km stretch has initially opened with one lane running in both directions but the dual carriageway is expected to be fully in action by the spring.

National Highways Regional Delivery Director, Anita Prashar, said: “Opening up the new link road and junction is an important milestone in this essential scheme which will ultimately ease the congestion issues in the area and promote economic growth.

“We wanted to make sure we opened the road ahead of the Christmas holiday as we know it will make a significant and positive difference to the journeys of visitors, local communities, and businesses. We’re making journeys easier for motorists heading to Birmingham Airport by providing direct access from the southern M42 to the airport.

“We are delighted to have reached this key milestone but appreciate that more work has to be carried out over the coming months so we are grateful to the local communities and road users for their continued patience.”

(Picture – National Highways)