Government confirms funding for A46 Newark Bypass dualling, subject to planning approval

Funding for a major £686.4m bypass project has been confirmed as part of a government announcement today (July 8).

The government has released details of a number of infrastructure schemes across the East Midlands which will receive significant investment, as part of a £92bn package, aimed at supporting growth across the Midlands and the North.

This includes confirmation of funding for the A46 Newark Bypass project, subject to planning approval.

Under the plans, submitted by National Highways, the existing four miles of single carriageway between the Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts, northwest of Newark, will be widened to provide two lanes in each direction.

A new flyover will also be built at the Cattlemarket roundabout.

The dualling scheme is aimed at improving safety, reducing congestion for commuters, and cutting journey times for businesses and freight using the A46 as a crucial trade corridor to the Humber shipping ports.

The latest estimate for the scheme is £686.4m, up from the original projected cost of £500m.

The plans and a development consent order were submitted to the Planning Inspectorate who have now made a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Transport last year. A final decision is expected to be announced this October.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.

“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.

“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”

In the past month, advanced works involving survey and field work to support ecology and archaeology data have started.

These activities are separate to the construction of the road and can take place ahead of the Secretary State’s decision.

If final planning approval is given, work on the project is expected to begin later this year and be delivered by 2030.