SOLIHULL’S newest road is set to look that bit prettier thanks to a schoolchildren.
To mark the end of the centenary of A- roads green-fingered pupils from Kingshurst Primary School joined National Highways staff to plant wildflower seeds along the verges of the new A4545.
The A4545 in the West Midlands is currently under construction as part of the M42 junction 6 upgrade and is due to open this winter.
The 2.4km dual carriageway, west of Bickenhill, is said to improve access to businesses – including an expanding Birmingham Airport, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham International Station, the new HS2 interchange station – from a new junction 5a.
The Government-owned company has spent the last 12 months marking 100 years of road numbering in Britain to celebrate the vital role A- roads play in connecting the country and supporting economic growth.
Teacher Viv Gittoes from Kingshurst Primary School said: “It was a great privilege to be invited along on the day to help plant the wildflowers and mark the end of the 100 years of A-roads campaign.
“The children had a marvellous time and really enjoyed themselves. They also loved being able to sit in the truck and learn more about how it worked. We are grateful that we were able to attend.”
The children were given a special demonstration from L Lynch Plant Hire and Haulage showing the children how to stay safe around HGVs.
The children were shown about HGV blind spots and were given a special demonstration showing a rigid Hiab, a vehicle made up of a truck, trailer and lorry-mounted crane all in one rigid structure, in action.
Throughout their visit they were kitted out in personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by Greenham.
Regional delivery director for National Highways’ major projects in the Midlands Anita Prashar said: “At National Highways we are committed to our responsibility for the ongoing stewardship and evolution of A-roads, now and for the future.
“We’re delighted the children from Kingshurst Primary School could join us to help make the new A4545 a colourful, biodiverse place that will attract wildlife and pollinators in the future, but also bring our year of celebrations for the centenary of A-roads to a fitting end. “
A-roads make up over half of England’s of strategic road network, which is 4,300 miles of trunk roads and motorways. They often follow routes that have been used by people and communities for centuries.
