Politicians and business leaders are pressing the Government to back £400-£500 million plans to improve the Newark bypass which they say would ease hold-ups and cut accidents. Transport pressure group Midlands Connect has drawn up a report proposing upgrades to the A46 – including duelling 4 miles of single carriageway between the Farndon and Winthorpe Roundabouts, either side of the Notts town.
The report suggests the busy bypass is not fit for purpose, suffering regular congestion and safety issues. It says that in the four years to 2021, there were 77 crashes with trouble spots at the main junctions, particularly the Cattle Market junction. Midlands Connect said upgrades could lead to a 30 per cent reduction in journey times.
Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace said: “Newark is the missing piece of the puzzle for the A46 and Midlands Connect’s 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.”
Nottinghamshire County Council cabinet member for economic development and asset management Councillor Keith Girling said as well as easing congestion, improvements would help boost the county’s infrastructure and economy.
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Major road infrastructure is an essential part of economic growth as providing easy, fast and reliable connections across various parts of the country encourages trade between those cities, towns and villages.
“Businesses are often encouraged to locate themselves where they can benefit from high-quality connectivity, which enhances operational efficiency and productivity.
“This is already evidenced by some of the household names that are based in and around Newark, a town that has a key national strategic location.
“Key road networks are also a magnet for housing developments that feed customers and workers into these firms.
“The A46 is an important east-west connection, and these improvements would spark economic opportunities for our businesses and communities, which ultimately drives investment, jobs and wealth creation in our region.”