The operator of the M6 Toll road says it could open for free to help get traffic moving if the main M6 is closed.
Midland Expressway Ltd have made the offer in a bid to get out of a contract to part-fund a link road between the M6 and M54.
However, the Department for Transport has rejected an intiail proposal.
“The Government has an agreement with Midland Expressway in respect to the M54 link road, which we fully expect to be honoured,” a spokesperson told the BBC.
The company’s desire to exit the £100m link road project comes as they tackle debts of more than £1billion.
