Newark MP Robert Jenrick and Conservative Nottinghamshire county councillors call on East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward to prioritise funding for dualling of A46 Newark Bypass

Newark’s MP and other Conservative leaders have called on the East Midlands Mayor to prioritise the “long overdue” upgrades to the A46.

It follows the announcement that the East Midlands is set to benefit from the largest transport investment in a generation after Mayor Claire Ward secured up to £2bn in funding.

Newark MP Robert Jenrick and Newark area Conservative county councillors have urged her to prioritise the dualling of the A46 Bypass using some of this money.

In a letter to Mayor Ward, the group stresses the A46 Newark Bypass is not just a local concern but a major infrastructure priority for the entire East Midlands.

Mr Jenrick described the dualling of the A46 between Farndon and Winthorpe as critical to unlocking economic growth and improving safety, not just in Newark, but across the East Midlands.

He said: “The previous Conservative Government committed funding to this project and now we have a £2bn transport fund at the region’s disposal. This is the moment to act decisively and deliver a long-overdue upgrade that has the backing of businesses, residents, and regional leaders.”

Councilor Sam Smith, who represents Newark East, said the A46 was a “major bottleneck” and a “daily frustration for thousands” that is damaging our local economy.

“Funding is now available to get the A46 dualled and there’s no excuse to delay — Mayor Ward has the opportunity and the funding to make a difference,” he added.

“Too many lives have been affected by accidents along this stretch,” Collingham member Janette Barlow said, “Safety must be a priority, and this scheme would make a real impact.”

Southwell councillor Roger Jackson said : “Upgrading the A46 will improve connectivity across the East Midlands, supporting freight movement, businesses, and commuters alike.”

Farnsfield ward member Bruce Laughton described the project as being “vital for sustainable economic development”, while Sue Saddington (Farndon & Fernwood) concluded: “The dualling of the A46 will ease congestion, improve journey times, and future-proof our infrastructure. It’s a win for safety, the economy, and quality of life.”

Balderton Johno Lee said: “Residents are rightly frustrated. We’ve been promised progress for years — now it’s time for delivery.”

Midlands Connect labelled the upgrade imperative, esti-mating it could reduce journey times by up to 30% and ease the burden on junctions operating over capacity.

Claire Ward has been approached for comment.