Funding for a significant upgrade of the A46 Newark bypass will ‘end the daily grind’ for local businesses and the economy.
The stretch of A46 between the Farndon Junction, to the west of Newark-on-Trent, and the A1 to the east of Newark-on-Trent, is the last remaining stretch of single carriageway between the M1 and A1 and consequently queuing traffic is a regular occurrence, often impacting journey time reliability.
Midlands Connect’s research has previously found traffic speeds are frequently below 20 mph around Newark resulting in unreliable journey planning, rising export transport costs and business unproductivity.
Government’s announcement to upgrade this section will reduce journey times and ease congestion on this important route.
Commenting on the announcement of funding for Newark bypass, the CEO of Midlands Connect Maria Machancoses, said: “Midlands Connect has long called Newark bypass the last piece of the puzzle – supporting housing, local jobs and vital connectivity to the Grimsby and Humber ports.
“We are over the moon that funding has been allocated for the scheme and it’s something we have continually advocated for as a critical project for Midlands.
“This announcement is the beginning of the end of the daily grind for commuters and residents who have endured sitting in tailbacks, making their lives a nightmare. We look forward to working with partners to deliver this regionally significant project.”
The scheme will:
- Improve traffic signals at Farndon roundabout to achieve smoother traffic flows in peak hours.
- Provide a new dual-carriageway bridge over the A1.
- Enlarge and partially signal Winthorpe roundabout to reduce congestion and improve journey reliability.
- Create a new grade separated junction at the Cattle Market roundabout.
The main issue affecting the route is traffic congestion. The A46 Newark bypass is a heavily trafficked route, with an average of 15,440 and 16,290 vehicle passing through the corridor northbound and southbound respectively, per day.
