A46 Newark Bypass: £500m upgrade critical to region, MP says

National Highways said work on the upgrade could start in 2025

Newark MP Robert Jenrick has said securing a £500m upgrade of the town's bypass is vital for the area's future.

Mr Jenrick is urging the government to fund plans to improve capacity on the heavily-congested A46 by widening it between Farndon and Winthorpe in Nottinghamshire.

He has joined transport body Midlands Connect in lobbying for the stretch of road to become a dual carriageway.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has been contacted for comment.

Midlands Connect released a new report on Monday stressing the importance of improving the bypass to the region's transport infrastructure and economy.

Mr Jenrick said: "This initiative is a critical step towards ensuring that our region gets the infrastructure investment it desperately needs.

"By widening 6.5 kilometres (four miles) of the existing single carriageway to a dual carriageway between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts, congestion will be significantly reduced in our area.

"The upgraded A46 Newark Bypass will serve as a vital trade corridor linking the M5 to the Humber ports and will result in smoother journeys for the approximately 17,000 daily drivers who rely on it."

Mr Jenrick, the immigration minister, said he would push for the £500m investment.

"The A46 Newark Bypass is a key component of our region's infrastructure, and its enhancement supports a vision for sustainable growth and prosperity in and around Newark," he said.

Work had been expected to begin in 2025, subject to funding, with National Highways planning to submit its latest plans and proposals to the government in the autumn.

National Highways said project costs were now expected to exceed £500m.

It said that meant that governance of the scheme had been handed to DfT and the Treasury.

A National Highways spokesman said an updated cost estimate would be sent to the government in the new year.

What's in the current plans?

The new bypass will fill in the dual carriageway gap on the A46

• A flyover junction at Cattle Market with the A46 elevated to pass over the roundabout. This will separate through traffic from local traffic

• Winthorpe junction will be enlarged to a five-arm roundabout with traffic lights to connect the new A46 link

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

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

• Adding traffic lights to Farndon junction to improve flows during peak hours

Midlands Connect predicted a 30% cut in journey times for drivers using the upgraded stretch.

Its chairman, Sir John Peace, said: "Newark is the missing piece of the puzzle for the A46.

"Our firm and strong recommendation is for the government to grasp the nettle and finish this vital upgrade of the Trans Midlands trade corridor.

"It will make a massive difference for Newark, Nottinghamshire but also the Midlands and the wider UK."

Sir John added: "It is imperative that this scheme is now implemented as a matter of urgency without further delay."