Blog

A public consultation on plans to create a new bypass on an A road in Nottinghamshire revealed that almost two-thirds of people strongly agree improvements are needed. National Highways is proposing to widen the A46 around Newark-on-Trent into a 6.5km dual carriageway to alleviate worsening congestion for drivers.

The A46 Newark bypass is expected to cost up to £500 million. Work on the main project is scheduled to begin in 2025.

National Highways held a public consultation on its proposals between October and December last year. More than half (54%) of the 539 respondents said they were very satisfied or satisfied with National Highways’ planned improvements to the highway, which is used by 17,000 motorists every day.

Are you planning an event for the Coronation of King Carlos III? let us know here

Just over 70% of respondents said they were extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the congestion levels, while 51% said they were extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the current design. Phil Boffey, National Highways Senior Project Manager, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our public inquiry.

“Considering the views of those affected by the scheme is very important, and we’re working hard to ensure we can design and deliver a scheme that benefits everyone. Feedback has already helped inform some design changes.

“We will carry out specific consultations with those consulted by law and affected landowners. We will share more details on this soon.”

The final design will be submitted in a Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate. The proposed scheme will then be examined and a recommendation made to the Secretary for Transport: they will decide whether to go ahead or not.

The application is expected to be submitted in the summer. National Highways said the planned project would help create a continuous dual carriageway from Lincoln to Warwick, as well as alleviate congestion on the Newark outskirts.

What are the plans?

• A flyover at Cattle Market with the A46, raised to go over the roundabout. This will separate direct traffic from local traffic.

• Winthorpe Junction will be extended to a five-armed roundabout with traffic lights to connect to the new A46 junction

• A short section of the new dual carriageway over the A1, including slipways to the Brownhills roundabout and a new bridge north of the existing A46 bridge over the A1

• A new single lane carriageway between the Friendly Farmer and Winthorpe roundabouts providing links to the A17, A1 and Newark

• Add traffic signals to Farndon Junction to improve flows during peak hours

What are your views on the plans? Your opinion in the comments section

READ NEXT: