Political and business leaders welcome Government go-ahead for major National Highways scheme to improve the A46 at Newark

The approval of a major scheme to widen and improve the A46 at Newark has been welcomed by political and business leaders, who have touted its economic benefits both locally and nationally.

Transport Minister Lord Hendy — on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander — approved a development consent order for the multi-million-pound National Highways project on Wednesday, October 1.

Project manager Izzy Tully described the formal green light as a “major milestone” for the project, which is slated to tackle congestion and improve safety on the key trade route which is used by around 17,000 drivers every day.

The scheme will see a flyover built at Cattle Market roundabout, the single lane stretch of the A46 dualled, a new bridge over the A1, and improvements to the Winthorpe roundabout.

Reacting to the news, Newark MP Robert Jenrick, who has long championed the scheme, said: “I’m over the moon that the project is all set now. This is the biggest investment in Newark in modern times, and will make so much difference to quality of life and business investment. I can’t thank enough the many local people and groups that have supported our campaign for over ten years.

“I appreciate some residents will be concerned as this will be impactful on some neighbourhoods. I’m grateful to them for their willingness to engage and we need to work with them to ensure they receive the support and compensation they deserve.”

Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, added: “This is terrific news not only for Newark but the whole district and wider highway network. For too many years we’ve been lobbying for the construction of this new bypass which is vital for so many.

“Commuters in and out of Newark know too well the challenges the current road layout brings with long queues during peak times and huge safety risks to road users. This new bypass will increase the economic value in the area and vastly improve travel times for those living in the East Midlands and beyond.

“We’ll be pressing Government and National Highways to get on with the construction of the road as a top priority. It’s desperately needed to not only reduce traffic congestion but to deliver local and national ambitions for housing and economic growth.”

The capacity-increasing scheme is also set to contribute to the ‘local growth agenda’; supporting 7,500 new homes, improving trade links, and enabling access to the Newark Business Park and Newark Gateway — including the new Air and Space Institute (ASI) — and the benefits of the scheme should also be felt by smaller town traders.

Michael Hardy, Newark Business Club’s Action Group chairman, said: “The recent confirmation that the A46 dualling project around Newark is great news for the town, its business community, and residents.

“This investment follows on from the southern bypass and recently increased rail services between Nottingham and Lincoln, all of which are positive and welcomed by the business club and it's members.

“The long term benefits of traffic flow around the town, releasing pressure through town, should not be underestimated and we believe it will have a positive impact for our amazing independent business in this historical market town.”

Newark Town Council also supported the plans during its planning process — having made a U-turn on a previous objection to the dualling.

At an extraordinary planning committee meeting members had voted to object to the plans, due to concerns over construction issues, flood risk, noise, pollution, and a desire to see the money spent on improving public transport instead. This decision was subsequently called in and overruled by a majority vote at a full council meeting.

The major scheme has also undergone thorough scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate, ahead of the official go-ahead, and is now part way through a six-week period in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.

In the coming months, National Highways will work with the Department for Transport to identify the most efficient and cost-effective delivery timetables for the project, as part of the process of setting the next Road Investment Strategy.

Updates on the project’s progress can be seen on the dedicated webpage for the scheme: www.nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east-midlands/a46-newark-bypass/.

An update on timings is to be given next year.