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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
A46 Newark to Widmerpool Improvement
A46 Newark to Widmerpool Improvement
- Status
- Current
- Located in
- Area 7
- Scheme type
- Programme of Major Schemes
- Updates
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Current News
Traffic Management
Traffic will be switched onto a new 3.5 dual section of the A46 between Cropwell Butler and Car Colston in the early hours of Friday 25 November. It is the first time traffic will be using part of the new road as a dual carriageway rather than single lane running. See the Traffic Management page for further details.
The latest schedule of closures and restrictions is available from the Traffic Management page. Details of Footpath Closures can be found on the Footpath Closures page.
Construction Progress
The Construction Progress page has been updated with site activity scheduled for October to December 2011.
Draft Supplementary Orders 2011
Draft Supplementary Orders were published on 12 May 2011. These Orders if made, correct minor omissions in The A46 Trunk Road (Newark to Widmerpool Improvement and Slip Roads) (Detrunking) Order 2009 and in The A46 Trunk Road (Newark to Widmerpool Improvement and Slip Roads) (Side Roads) Order 2009 and contain minor modifications to accesses for a number of land owners.
See the Publication page for copies of the Draft Compulsory Purcharse Order, Side Roads Order, Detrunking Order and the Public Notices.
Public Inquiry
The Public Inquiry commenced on Tuesday 8 November 2011 and has now been adjourned until Tuesday 17 January 2011 commencing at 2pm.
The Public Inquiry Notice was published in the Newark Advertiser on 22 September 2011. Please see the Publications page for a copy of the Notice.
See the Public Inquiry website at http://www.persona.uk.com/A46newark2011/index.htm
The Project
The A46 is an important regional trunk road connecting the East and West Midlands. The section between Widmerpool and Newark carries between 16200 and 25300 vehicles per day, of which up to 15% are heavy goods vehicles. This level of traffic gives rise to frequent congestion and delay.
The existing A46 is generally straight and undulating as it follows the line of the old Roman Road - Fosse Way. This can make safe overtaking difficult and it is made worse by many junctions and accesses to fields, farms and houses. The road has a poor safety record - in the five years between 2001 and 2005 there have been 13 fatal, 56 serious and 222 slight accidents.
Bridleways and footpaths join and cross this section of the A46 but walkers, cyclists and horse-riders find it difficult to cross because of the traffic.
The Scheme
The Highways Agency is constructing a new 17 miles long two-lane dual carriageway from the A606 two level junction at Widmerpool to an improved roundabout at Farndon, just south of Newark.
The improvement will reduce congestion, improve safety and provide a bypass for East Stoke and Farndon.
New two level junctions will be provided at Roehoe, Owthorpe, Stragglethorpe, Saxondale, Margidunum, Red Lodge, Flintham and Lodge Lane.
Each carriageway will consist of two traffic lanes with a vertical concrete safety barrier along the whole length of the central reserve. We will surface the carriageways using low noise surfacing to minimise tyre noise on the road.
The roundabouts at Stragglethorpe, Saxondale, Margidunum and Farndon will be lit. We will also provide lighting on the new roundabout at the junction between Lodge Lane and the existing A46.
Some sections of the existing A46 will be retained for use by local traffic and some sections will be downgraded for use by cyclists, walkers and horse riders and for private means of access.
For more information about the project see the Key Events and Statutory Processes/Scheme History pages.
Start of works
As a result of the Department of Transport's £1 billion fiscal stimulus package announced in November 2008, delivery of the A46 Scheme has been accelerated. See the Statutory Processes/Scheme History page for further information on fiscal stimulus.
Advanced works began in March 2009 to prepare the sites ready for start of works. For information on how the environmental aspects of the scheme have been managed see the Environmental Issues page.
The main construction works began in July 2009 with the road expected to open to traffic in summer 2012.
