Newark MP Robert Jenrick welcomes National Highways' appointment of Skanska to A46 Newark Bypass project

Newark MP Robert Jenrick has welcomed news that National Highways has appointed a company to complete the A46 Newark Bypass dualling project.

It was revealed today that traffic could be using a dual-carriageway Newark bypass by 2028 after Skanska was awarded the contract to design and construct the project to dual the 6.6km stretch between Farndon and Winthorpe at a cost of between £400m and £500m.

Subject to getting permission, work is expected to start in 2025 with the new road open to traffic in 2028.

Mr Jenrick, who has been pressing for the project to go ahead, said: “I’m pleased to see this critical project progressing.

"I have been in regular contact with National Highways who are listening to the community and our concerns at certain aspects and appear to be refining the plans in a sympathetic way.

“There will be a lot of negotiation to be had in the months to come to ensure the best result possible for the town and broader region in terms of traffic management, whilst mitigating the impact on Winthorpe, Newark and Farndon residents neighbouring the works.”

The scheme aims to tackle the traffic bottlenecks on the outskirts of Newark as well as improving journeys for the 17,000 drivers who use the road on average every day.

In February, National Highways announced its preferred route that incorporated suggestions from the community following public consultation.

The project will widen the A46 to two lanes betweenits Farndon and Winthorpe junctions.

As part of this, a new bridge will be built over the A1 at Winthorpe, a flyover junction created at the cattle market roundabout at Newark, and traffic lights installed at Farndon roundabout.

Surveys and assessments are now being carried out to develop the design.

National Highways will hold another public consultation, in October, to share the more detailed proposals ahead of submitting its Development Consent Application in late 2023.

This is made to the Planning Inspectorate who make a recommendation to the Transport Secretary who then decides if the scheme goes ahead.

“We are delighted to have reached a major milestone in the development of the A46 Newark Bypass with the appointment of Skanska to deliver this much-needed upgrade,” said National Highways senior project manager, Phil Boffey.

“This scheme will bring relief for the communities enduring the current congestion as well as drivers using this key trade corridor.

“We are determined to ensure that, as far as possible, the improvements work for the community as a whole and will continue to consider the views of road users and local people as we work with Skanska in the design and delivery of this upgrade.”

Skanska and design partner Mott McDonald will work on the scheme.

Jonathan Willcock, managing director of Skanska’s infrastructure business, said: “We have established a collaborative and trusted relationship with National Highways, with this contract building on our current projects.

“We will be working with National Highways and our design partner, Mott McDonald, bringing together a really strong and integrated team, alongside our wider supply chain.

“We’re taking the lead for this project from the preliminary design stage, which will enable us to more closely align design, consultation and buildability. This will help us to identify opportunities to optimise productivity, reduce cost and carbon emissions and deliver the project safely – while leaving a positive legacy for local people.”