Newark: Highways England releases results of consultation into the two options for huge A46 improvement works

Highways England has published its report into the findings of its consultation on proposals to dual the A46 Newark bypass.

The consultation asked opinions on two options for the dualling scheme between Farndon and Winthorpe.

A total of 1,584 responses were received from individuals, stakeholders and landowners.

Option one would involve traffic lights being added to the cattle market junction and the A46 passing through the centre of the roundabout. The A617 would be diverted to a new roundabout with the A616 north of the junction.

Under option two, a flyover would be built over the cattle market roundabout for the A46, with Kelham Road and Great North Road staying as they are. Traffic lights would be added to Farndon roundabout to improve flow.

Both options included a new link and bridge over the A1.

The vast majority ­— 82% ­— agreed improvements were needed and there was a clear preference for option two.

A total of 993 people backed option two (43% strongly in favour) compared with 354 for option one (8% strongly in favour).

The majority of comments received to questions about option one were negative, including it not improving congestion or increasing traffic flow, being an inadequate solution/design with amendments/improvements required, negative impact on residents, issues caused by roundabouts remaining, and increasing noise pollution.

However, respondents for option two were in favour of the cattle market junction design, said it would reduce congestion/improve traffic flow, and welcomed it incorporating grade separation/flyover.

The main negative comments about option two were it being a negative impact on residents, it being an inadequate solution/design with amendments/improvements required, it increasing noise pollution, and issues caused by roundabouts/junctions remaining.

For option two, a flyover with the A46 elevated to pass over the roundabout was strongly preferred with 1,220 (79%) of respondents, compared with option one’s A46 passing through the middle of the roundabout.

Around 17,000 cars a day use the stretch of road, which is a key transport link between the M1 and A1.

Highways England will continue to develop its plans, refine the option designs and, where possible, incorporate the feedback and comments it received. It will announce its preferred route option this summer.

Construction would start after 2025 after a public inquiry has assessed the preferred option put forward. The scheme was last costed at £450m.