A new report from Midlands Connect highlights the significance of upgrading the A46 Newark bypass for local businesses and the economy.
Vodaphone, which has a significant regional presence in the town, says it could consider reducing its presence if employees aren’t able to get to work easily to provide customer service. The company’s National Marketing Lead Daniel Copper said: “If the office space is underutilised due to people avoiding coming in as the traffic is so bad, Vodafone is less likely to continue requiring that office.”
Graham Wright, Environment Manager at British Sugar, which processes all the sugar beet grown in the UK, and supplies 60% of the UK market, added: “The road network here is almost like a gateway, from the A46 you can access so much of the rest of the country that in investing in this stretch of road you would benefit not only Newark but wider UK connectivity.”
Simon Eccleston, Chief Executive at Newark Showground, said: “Queues can be miles long and so if you’re trying to attend an event here at the showground, clearly that can mean that you’re sometimes delayed by two hours. Newark Rugby Club Bonfire Night started over an hour late because we just simply couldn’t get people into the showground on time.
“Improving the A46 would be the best thing possible for business and the best thing possible for Newark as well. The sooner the works can start, the better.”
In November 2023, Midlands Connect released a report proposing upgrades and finishing the Newark bypass. The £400 – £500 million scheme was dubbed as ‘imperative’ by Midlands Connect Chairman Sir John Peace.
The plans are now in the pre-examination stage with the Planning Inspectorate and a full examination will begin later this year before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State for Transport who will make a final decision.
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.
If delivered, Midlands Connect forecast a 30% reduction in journey times for traffic using the improved section. We also believe that the five scheme objectives of improving safety, easing congestion, increasing connectivity, protecting the environment, and benefiting all road users, will be met.
The National Highways Consultation results showed 53% of respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the proposed scheme improvements.
Swati Mittal, Integrated Transport Programme Lead at Midlands Connect, said: “This report highlights the day-to-day impact that not having necessary improvements around Newark has on residents, commuters and businesses. It is hurting the economy and it is frequently snarled up in traffic gridlock.
“This is why Midlands Connect has worked with local councils, National Highways and Robert Jenrick MP to advocate for upgrades to the area. We hope to see movement soon and positive news for Newark.”
