Strong support for A46 Newark Bypass upgrade plans

And more than half (54 per cent) of the 539 respondents said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with National Highways’ proposed improvements. 

Just over 70 per cent of respondents said they were either extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with congestion levels while 51 per cent said they were extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the current layout. 

The consultation was carried out between October and December last year. 

National Highways Senior Project Manager Phil Boffey said: 

“We would like to thank all the people who took the time to respond to our public consultation. Considering the views of those affected by the scheme is very important, and we are working hard to ensure we can design and deliver a scheme that benefits everyone. 

“Feedback has already helped to inform some design changes. We’ll be carrying out targeted consultations with statutory consultees and affected landowners to seek their views on our latest design. We’ll share further details on this soon.” 

All feedback from last year’s public consultation and ongoing engagement will help to define the final design which will be submitted in an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO). This is made to the Planning Inspectorate who examine the application and then make a recommendation to the Transport Secretary who decides whether the scheme will go ahead or not. The application is expected to be submitted this summer. 

The bypass will upgrade a stretch of single carriageway on the A46 which is used by, on average, 17,000 drivers every day as the key Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor connecting the M5 with the Humber Ports.  

This will help to create a continuous dual carriageway from Lincoln to Warwick which will have national significance for travel and the economy as well as easing congestion on the outskirts of Newark.  

Proposals for the bypass include:  

• A flyover junction at Cattle Market with the A46 elevated to pass over the roundabout. This will separate through traffic from local traffic improving safety for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists  
• Winthorpe junction will be enlarged with traffic lights to connect the new A46 link  
• A short section of new dual carriageway over the A1, including slip roads to Brownhills roundabout and a new bridge to the north of the existing A46 bridge over the A1.   
• A new single lane carriageway between Friendly Farmer and Winthorpe roundabouts providing links to the A17, A1 and Newark.   
• Adding traffic lights to Farndon junction to improve flows during peak hours  

Skanska is National Highways' delivery partner undertaking the design and construction of the scheme. 

Notes to Editors

National Highways is the wholly government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.

Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Local Twitter services are also available.

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