The official UK Government “green light” has been given to a major National Highways plan to tackle congestion and enhance safety along the A46 road in Newark.
Transport Minister Lord Hendy, on behalf of Heidi Alexander, the Secretary of State for Transport, has approved a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the multi-million-pound scheme.
This means that work can soon begin on the project to address problems with the traffic flow on this vital trade corridor through the East Midlands.
Why is the A46 improvement scheme so important?
The now-approved project will see upgrade work carried out on a section of single carriageway on the A46 which is used by an average of 17,000 drivers each day.
This road is the key trans-Midlands trade corridor connected to the Humber Ports, which underscores the route’s national significance and role in supporting economic growth.
It is intended that the improvement work – once completed – will help eliminate the bottleneck of traffic around Newark, in addition to boosting the safety of the route for cyclists and pedestrians.
The project will also play a major role in the local growth agenda, including by supporting 7,500 new homes, enhancing trade links, and allowing access to the Newark Business Park and Newark Gateway, including the Air and Space Institute (ASI).
The Planning Inspectorate has thoroughly scrutinised the scheme, leading to the decision to grant the formal go-ahead to this vital work.
“A major milestone” realised as excitement ramps up
Project Manager at National Highways, Izzy Tully, said the Government-owned company was “delighted” with the green light, describing it as “a major milestone on the project to improve the A46 around Newark for the many thousands of people who use the route each day.”
Tully added: “The A46 is an important route, supporting trade and the wider economy, and our upgrade will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity to the road and its junctions, as well as better connectivity and safer journeys for everyone.”
What work will be undertaken for this project?
The enhancement works will see four miles of the existing single carriageway widened to a dual carriageway. This will allow for the provision of two lanes in each direction between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts close to Newark-on-Trent.
In addition, a flyover will be created at the Cattle Market roundabout for the A46 to pass over the junction, and a new bridge is set to be constructed over the A1.
Furthermore, Winthorpe roundabout will be enlarged, and traffic lights installed, to connect the new A46 link.
What are the A46 Newark Bypass scheme’s next stages?
A six-week period has now commenced in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision to approve the works.
Over the coming months, National Highways will work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to determine efficient and cost-effective delivery timetables for the scheme. Further information on timings is expected to be provided in 2026.
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