A public consultation on plans to create a new bypass on an A-road in Nottinghamshire has revealed nearly two thirds of people strongly agree that improvements are needed. National Highways is proposing to widen the A46 around Newark-on-Trent into a 6.5km dual carriageway to alleviate worsening congestion for drivers.
The A46 Newark bypass is expected to cost up to £500million. Work on the major project is planned to begin in 2025.
National Highways conducted a public consultation on its proposals between October and December last year. More than half (54%) of the 539 respondents said they were either very satisfied or satisfied with National Highways' planned improvements for the road, which is used by 17,000 motorists every day.
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Just over 70% of respondents said they were either extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with congestion levels while 51% said they were extremely dissatisfied or dissatisfied with the current layout. Phil Boffey, National Highways senior project manager, said: "We would like to thank all the people who took the time to respond to our public consultation.
"Considering the views of those affected by the scheme is very important, and we are working hard to ensure we can design and deliver a scheme that benefits everyone. Feedback has already helped to inform some design changes.
"We'll be carrying out targeted consultations with statutory consultees and affected landowners. We'll share further details on this soon."
The final design will be submitted in an application for a Development Consent Order to the Planning Inspectorate. The proposed scheme will then be examined and a recommendation made to the Transport Secretary - they will decide whether it will go ahead or not.
The application is expected to be submitted in the summer. National Highways said the planned project would help to create a continuous dual carriageway from Lincoln to Warwick, as well as easing congestion on the outskirts of Newark.
What are the plans?
- 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
What are your views on the plans? Have your say in the comments section below
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