Andrew Mitchell MP has welcomed this week’s announcement by the Highways Agency to improve Junction 9 of the M42 as part of a wider programme to boost the economy, reduce congestion and improve road safety in the West Midlands. The improvements to Junction 9 will reduce congestion by widening the southbound entry slip road and upgrading the traffic signals. The work will be completed in 2014. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the investment which will remove bottlenecks and keep traffic moving to ensure businesses in the region are as accessible as possible. Following the announcement Andrew Mitchell MP said, ”This scheme will unlock a critical pinch point on the M42 and by doing so will help boost growth in Sutton Coldfield. It will also improve access for my constituents to the local enterprise zone and business parks by ensuring they can travel more easily around the West Midlands.” “This Government is committed to investing in our infrastructure which is vital to boosting the local economy and freeing up our local road network will benefit local businesses and households.”