Skanska bypass job gets green light

The Department for Transport has approved a development consent order for the A46 Newark Bypass upgrade, paving the way for contractor Skanska to proceed with the multi-million-pound National Highways scheme.

However, a six-week period is now open for legal challenges.

Transport Minister Lord Hendy granted approval on behalf of transport secretary Heidi Alexander following examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

Tier one contractor Skanska won the £345m design-and-build contract in August 2022. At the time, Construction News reported that work was expected to begin in 2025.

The job involves widening a 6.4km stretch of single carriageway between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent, including a new flyover at the Cattlemarket roundabout and a bridge over the A1.

Skanska will also enlarge the Winthorpe roundabout and install traffic lights to improve connectivity with the A46.

The route currently carries around 17,000 vehicles per day and is a major east-west link to the Humber ports.

National Highways project manager Izzy Tully said the decision marked “a major milestone” in delivering the scheme, which she said would improve safety, reduce delays and enhance connectivity.

The scheme is expected to support wider economic objectives in Newark by enabling development of 7,500 homes, improving access to Newark Business Park and the Newark Gateway, and unlocking connections to the International Air and Space Training Institute.

In parallel, National Highways is working with the Department for Transport to assess the most efficient delivery programme, which will be confirmed in next year’s Road Investment Strategy.

Source: National Highways announcement