M42 junction 6
We are making safety and capacity improvements to this important strategic route to support economic growth and planned development in the region.
Project information
Currently, congestion and journey reliability issues are a significant constraint to future investment and economic growth. The junction has almost reached capacity, causing severe congestion and delays across the network. Junction 6 does not have sufficient capacity to accommodate predicted traffic growth beyond 2019 – even without the inclusion of HS2 – if we do not act.
We will construct a new 2.4km dual carriageway link road – aligned to the west of Bickenhill – between the A45 Clock Interchange. We’ll also build a new junction 5A on the M42 motorway approximately 1.8km south of the existing M42 Junction 6 (Solihull).
We’ll also be making journeys smoother and more reliable by building a new junction 5A on the M42 motorway which is located approximately 1.8km south of the existing M42 Junction 6 (Solihull).
And two new roundabouts will also be installed north of B4102 Solihull Road that will be positioned either side of the M42 motorway. Pedestrians will also benefit from the scheme with a new overbridge being put in place above the A45 near to the Arden Hotel.
Once complete motorists will benefit from smoother journeys and the work will support economic growth.
The objectives of the scheme are to:
- ensure the safe and reliable operation of the road network
- increase the capacity at junction 6, reducing congestion
- improve access to key businesses and locations such as Birmingham Airport and support economic growth in the area
- improve access for cyclists, walkers and other vulnerable users of the network
Documents
The DCO process was established by the Planning Act 2008 and is used for certain large and complex schemes (including highway improvements) that have been designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) by the Government.
The benefits of the DCO process include extensive pre-application consultation, detailed analysis, including a full Environmental Impact Assessment, and examination by an independent inspector before the final decision is made.
The Secretary of State for Transport granted development consent for the M42 junction 6 Development Consent Order (DCO) on 21 May 2020.
Development Consent Order – Requirements Register
Requirements are conditions that have been included in the DCO, which control how the project must be implemented (constructed and maintained). Implementing the DCO in accordance with these conditions involves completing consultation and approval processes that have been defined in the DCO. These processes are referred to here and in the DCO as “discharging” the requirements.
This Requirements Register is a live document and will be updated as the process to discharge the requirements progresses.
The latest version will always be published on this page.
M42 junction 6 improvements - Development Consent Order (DCO) requirements register
This register will be maintained for three years following completion of the project. The register sets out:
- each requirement
- whether the requirement needs approval by the Secretary of State (or other duty holder)
- whether any approval has been applied for or given
A guide to the planning process
Consultation brochure
Option 1 example corridor of impact
Option 2 example corridor of impact
Option 3 example corridor of impact
Example cross sections
Preferred Route Announcement leaflet
Preferred Route Announcement diagram
Report on Public Consultation
Technical Appraisal Report
Scheme Assessment Report

Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.Sign up for updates!
Keep up to date with what's happening on this scheme by signing up to our updates.