Plans for Newark bypass to bring jobs to East Midlands

Plans to fund the A46 Newark Bypass have been hailed a “huge boost” for the region.

Chancellor Sajid Javid has confirmed the funding will be given to the scheme, which is set to reduce congestion around the busy market town.

Midlands Connect director Maria Machancoses said: “Making sure the Newark Bypass is completed is a top priority for Midlands Connect to support businesses and commuters who experience regular congestion on the A46, and facilitate major housing and employment development in the town.

“The A46 is one of the country’s most important trade routes, especially the strategic freight route between the East Midlands and the Humber ports. Newark has become a major bottleneck, holding back logistics firms that rely on the A46, and major manufacturers located along the corridor.

“We have spoken to hundreds of businesses, large and small, based along the A46 corridor, who have told us how important improvements are to the growth of their firms and how congestion, especially around Newark, is one of the biggest barriers to growth. This announcement will be a massive boost to their future plans to create more jobs in the East Midlands.

“Securing this funding is the result of several years of passionate campaigning from our partnership, including Transport for the East Midlands and Nottinghamshire County Council, as well as the town’s MP Robert Jenrick. We will continue to work with these partners, and the Department for Transport, to ensure that the bypass is prioritised for completion by 2025.”