Consultation launches on A46 Newark bypass

Drivers and residents are being given the opportunity to influence plans for a new multi-million pound bypass. Highways England has shared plans to transform the last remaining section of single carriageway on the A46, which is part of the nationally significant ‘Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor’.

Drivers on the single carriageway on the A46 regularly suffer from congestion and poor journey time reliability. The proposed road upgrade has been designed to tackle congestion on the outskirts of Newark by removing bottlenecks, making journeys safer and more reliable.

For the 17,000 drivers who travel along the busy A46 every day, this increase in road capacity will hopefully put a welcome end to frustrating stop-start journeys.

Two scheme options have been progressed by Highways England, both of which promise to give an economic boost to communities across the region.

Both options will improve and widen the A46 to a dual carriageway, providing two lanes in each direction between the Farndon and Winthorpe junctions, contributing to more reliable and safer journeys. As part of the project, both options would include a new link and a new bridge over the A1 to the north of the existing bridge. Access to the A1 will also be improved by removing A46 through-traffic from the Brownhills and Friendly Farmer roundabouts, allowing them to operate better.

Everyone who lives near or regularly uses the route is encouraged to review the proposals and have their say on which solution they prefer.

Highways England project manager, Karen Green, said: “This major upgrade to the A46 will help drivers by better linking two key midlands cities – Leicester and Lincoln. Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders are set to benefit from our plans too as we’ll provide a safer route for them to cross the A46.

“We’d prefer to share information about both scheme options at a public information event where we can meet people face-to-face. As that’s not possible right now, we’re making everything available online. It’s vital that the new bypass works for the whole community. So, I’d encourage everyone to have their say on the road’s future.”

Leaflets advertising the public consultation have been delivered to homes and businesses around Newark. For more information about the scheme options and to take part in the consultation, visit the A46 Newark bypass scheme webpage.

The consultation closes on 2nd February 2021. If you have any questions please email the Project Team at a46newarkbypass@highwaysengland.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can request a call back from a member of the project team by calling 0300 123 5000.

Published January 2021