The A50/A500 corridor is more than just a major road corridor; It’s one of the most important economic arteries in the Midlands, as well as a critical driver of prosperity for Staffordshire businesses and the wider national economy.
The corridor stretches from Nantwich, through Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and across to the M1 near East Midlands Airport. It’s a route of strategic importance at a national , regional and local level.
The A50/A500 is a key route for some world-renowned brands including JCB, Alton Towers, Bentley and Toyota, connecting the M1 and M6 and the east and west of our region.
It’s also a route which has been blighted by congestion in specific stretches, leading to delays for businesses who depend on predictable and reliable journey times for deliveries, supplies and also for getting staff to and from work with ease.
Much of the corridor’s economic output comes from manufacturing and distribution and this serves to highlight just how dependent these sectors are on reliable transport links.
Analysis conducted by transport body Midlands Connect found that route upgrades along the corridor could lead to a number of positive outcomes, including:
• Creation of 2,000 additional jobs.
• Generation of a £116 million boost to Staffordshire’s economy
• Addition of £12 billion economic output over 60 years
• Supporting the delivery of 30,000 new homes.
In March 2026, the government announced that improvements to four junctions along the A50 corridor and a scheme to reduce congestion and increase capacity at Junction 15 of the M6, have not been taken forward under Road Investment Strategy 3 (RIS3). These improvements have been placed in the RIS4 spending programme, expected between 2030 and 2035.
This effectively means that there is little prospect of short term tangible progress and any chance of shovels in the ground won’t become a reality until into the next decade, at the very earliest.
We’re concerned about the potential delays in making progress and it’s why we’re keen to maintain our call for much needed improvements on a route of local, regional and national importance. Such improvements could help to unlock the true potential of the corridor and this goes far beyond improving journey time reliability.
These much needed improvements will underpin jobs, investment, and power long-term economic growth. Analysis shows that improvements could unlock thousands of new jobs, generate significant economic output, and create opportunities for new housing and commercial development.
We know that Staffordshire enjoys exceptional connectivity and for those businesses who are deciding where to invest, connectivity can often become a deciding factor.
Our message is clear – The A50/A500 corridor is fundamental to our economic future. We will continue to press for investment and ensure that the voice of business is heard. Much needed improvements will unlock the full potential of the corridor and grow the economy at a local, regional and national level.
If Chamber members would like to get involved with our transport policy and lobbying work, please contact me:
