A report released today by Midlands Connect highlights the significance of upgrading the route for local businesses and the economy.

One firm reliant on the junction running smoothly is Vodafone, who have a significant regional presence in Newark. They rely on their employees being on time to offer smooth customer service via the phone lines they run from their Newark office. They have warned without improvements to the junction, there is a chance they will have to reduce their presence in the area or withdraw altogether. 

Daniel Copper National Marketing Lead at Vodafone 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, who process all the sugar beet grown in the UK and supply 60% of the UK market, pointed out the importance of the A46 not just for the people of Newark, but for wider UK connectivity 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.”

Councillor Keith Girling, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Strategic Asset Management at Nottinghamshire Council, outlined that he felt the junction could be throttling the area from reaching its potential as a thriving hub of business and employment, saying:

“If when prospective investors arrive in Newark at a time when the A46 is disrupted, which it often is, why would they invest in the area when they can clearly see the transport issues they might have if they move to the area?”

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.

Integrated Transport Programme Lead, Swati Mittal, 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."