Transport upgrades 'would help M54 corridor growth'

Improvements to the transport network between Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury could drive growth and investment in the West Midlands and beyond, a strategic transport body said.

Enhancements to the rail line, the M54 and A5, bus networks, and active travel would "boost the regional economy and benefit productivity," Midlands Connect said.

The organisation, which researches the benefits of long-term transport projects, has listed eight investment priorities including simplified ticketing, travel information and electric vehicle infrastructure.

Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley welcomed the report adding it meant education, employment and tourism opportunities if project investment was secured.

Integrated transport networks, line speed and capacity improvements, enhanced freight connectivity, smarter use of highway infrastructure, reduced congestion and cleaner air and active and sustainable travel, were also among the companies priorities.

Buckley said she would be "working closely with partners to take forward these proposals as a key driver for economic growth".

Earlier this year, plans for a new passenger rail service - the Wrexham, Shropshire and Midlands Railway (WSMR) - running direct trains between north Wales, the West Midlands and London received support from the prime minister after Labour's Buckley raised it in the Commons.

Lee Carter, leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, said his authority supported the Midlands Connect vision while championing better rail links as well as the M54/M6 Northern Link road.

Maria Machancoses, chief executive of Midlands Connect, said: "This document sets out a shared vision for investment in transport to support new housing, growing employment hubs, thriving town centres, and greener, more sustainable ways to travel.

"It builds on what's already working, aligns with other regional and local plans, but also makes the case for where we must go further."

Follow BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.