New hard shoulder scheme opens

THE first ever scheme allowing drivers to use the hard shoulder between junction slips roads has launched on the M42.

Bosses hope the move will ease congestion between junction 4 and 6 as about 90 per cent of traffic stays on the M42 at junction 5. Overhead electronic signs will indicate which lanes are open.

Transport Minister Chris Mole said in a statement: “Hard shoulder running has already made journeys on the M42 near Birmingham safer and more reliable.

“To maximise these benefits and further increase capacity the Highways Agency is now making more of the hard shoulder available to traffic at busy times.

“Through-junction running is just one of the measures taken by the Highways Agency to increase capacity, reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability and safety on our motorways.”

Derek Turner, Highways Agency director of network operations said: “This scheme should offer even greater safety benefits because traffic will be able to stay in lane at the junction, rather then having to move over when the hard shoulder ends.”

New hard shoulder plan for M42

DRIVERS will be able to continuously drive along the hard shoulder of the M42 between junctions 4 and 6 from December 9 in a UK first.

The ‘through-junction running’ scheme means hard shoulder users will not have to leave at junction 5.

The £3m plan has been funded by the Government’s fiscal stimulus package, and will “kick-start the economy and help build Britain’s future” bosses said.

It comes as a seven-mile section of the M6 off north east Birmingham opens the hard shoulder for traffic use, mirroring an existing pilot on the M42.

Today The Highway’s Agency, responsible for motorways, said the M42 scheme had resulted in “more reliable journey times for drivers (a 22% improvement) and safer journeys”.

Accidents had fallen from an average 5.1 a month to 1.8, it said in a statement.

The scheme uses overhead signs to vary speed limits and open the hard shoulder at peak times. Extra recesses were built into the road with emergency telephones.

The Government has pledged to open up 340 miles of hard shoulder.

Solihull by-pass speed limit faces cut

THE speed limit on the Solihull by-pass faces being cut from 70mph to 50mph under new plans.

Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is to consult on reducing the national speed limit section between M42 junction 5 and the 40mph section of the by-pass (map).

This would include the junction 5 roundabout.

All English councils have been told by the Government to review speed limits on A and B roads.

A council report says: “Reduction in vehicle speeds contributes to safer and healthier communities.

“Reducing the speed of traffic will bring environmental benefits to local communities through the reduction perceptions of danger.”

Sliproad closures on M42 and M40

THE southbound entry sliproad of the M42 at junction 5 will be closed overnight this week.

It will be closed from 10pm to 5.30am from Monday to Friday for painting.

A diversion route will be clearly signposted, the Highways Agency said.

The link road from the M42 southbound onto the M40 will be closed from 10pm to 6pm on Monday and Tuesday.

This is for carriageway resurfacing, installation of traffic sensors and associated works.

A diversion route will be signposted.