A major plan by National Highways to relieve congestion and improve safety along the A46 in Newark has today been given the go-ahead.
Transport Minister Lord Hendy, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, has approved a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the multi-million-pound project, which means the formal green light has been given for the scheme to tackle congestion on a crucial trade corridor through the East Midlands.
The scheme will upgrade a stretch of single carriageway on the A46 which is used by, on average, 17,000 drivers every day as the key trans-Midlands trade corridor linking to the Humber Ports.
As well as having national significance and supporting economic growth, it will help remove the bottleneck of traffic around Newark, as well as making the route safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
It also contributes to the local growth agenda, including supporting 7,500 new homes, improving trade links and enabling access to the Newark Business Park and Newark Gateway, including the International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI).
The scheme has undergone thorough scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate, leading to today’s announcement.
Izzy Tully, project manager from National Highways, said:
“We are delighted with today’s announcement which is a major milestone on the project to improve the A46 around Newark for the many thousands of people who use the route each day.
“The A46 is an important route, supporting trade and the wider economy, and our upgrade will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity to the road and its junctions, as well as better connectivity and safer journeys for everyone.
“We look forward to now being able to take the project forward.”
The scheme will include:
- Widening 4 miles of the existing single carriageway to a dual carriageway, to provide two lanes in each direction between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent.
- Creating a flyover at the Cattle Market roundabout for the A46 to pass over the junction.
- Building a new bridge over the A1.
- Enlarging Winthorpe roundabout and installing traffic lights to connect the new A46 link.
There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge an intention to legally challenge the decision.
In the coming months, National Highways will work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to identify the most efficient and cost-effective delivery timetables for this project, as part of the process of setting the next Road Investment Strategy. An update on timings will be given next year.
