Wildlife gets green light in M42 upgrade

Wildlife and motorists are set to benefit from the new A4545 dual carriageway, part of the M42 junction 6 improvement scheme, thanks to a set of carefully planned environmental measures.

To mark World Nature Conservation Day, National Highways is showing how infrastructure projects can work in with local ecosystems. One feature is the installation of small tunnels beneath the new road, allowing animals like badgers to move safely between habitats without risking road traffic.

Badger exclusion fencing is also being put in place to prevent animals from straying onto the carriageway. These steps preserve important wildlife corridors and protect traditional animal routes.

Other environmental improvements include drainage ditches and erosion-control headwalls to manage runoff into Shadow Brook.

Adam Gallis, National Highways Project Manager, said the scheme is an example of transport upgrades working hand-in-hand with conservation:

“We’ve taken great care to ensure that our work respects the local natural landscape.”

The project supports National Highways’ wider sustainability goals, aiming to boost biodiversity and resilience across the network.

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