Newark and Sherwood District Council to give response on announcement of route for bypass dualling scheme
A council is set to formally respond after a route for the Newark bypass dualling scheme was announced.
Members of the district council economic development committee were told the route was not yet a detailed design, but that National Highways had listened to the authority's red lines.
"We wanted the grade two separation at the cattle market junction, we wanted any road improvements to take account of any rail improvements that could occur and also that National Highways needed to understand all the other road improvements that were occurring in and around Newark, and take that into account in their work," said a council officer.
"It's important to note this is just a route, it's not the detailed design, but at this stage in terms of us thinking about whether or not we believe our concerns and objectives have been met — I think the three key ones I've just talked about have.
"And we believe they have taken into consideration that the flat [rail] crossing at Newark could happen. That is encouraging."
The officer told councillors the authority was also in discussions with National Highways, the county council, and Urban&Civic to look at the impact of the A46 on the southern link road.
He said: "What's important now is to make a formal response to make clear our views on this proposal and, as part of that, we're engaging with local communities affected.
"Members have been to meetings with the Winthorpe action group and engaging with stakeholders."
National Highways unveiled its preferred route for the Newark bypass dualling scheme, including plans for a fly-over.
The preferred route, option two modified, incorporates suggestions from an extensive public consultation exercise for the upgrade of the road between Farndon and Winthorpe.
The scheme includes a fly-over at Newark’s cattle market junction, traffic lights at Farndon, and a new bridge over the A1 at Winthorpe.
A key change has taken the route further away from Winthorpe after residents there raised concerns.
Councillor Roger Blaney said he welcomed the announcement of the route as it met the stipulations the authority put down.
"I thank National Highways for listening and modifying proposals," he said. "I know they have paid tribute to the group at Winthorpe and indeed I was on a virtual meeting with them yesterday and they are still pushing for further improvement and certainly detail on the mitigation measures that will be put in place.
"I think it's right we support them in that, although we know the cost benefit of the scheme is marginal solely because of the amount of engineering works necessary to cross the river and railway line as many times as it does.
"It's crucial we don't do anything that increases the cost.
"Let's continue to push National Highways to explain why what's being argued for is not viable."
Paul Peacock said it was an essential scheme but that work needed to be done on how cyclists and pedestrians would be catered for.
He said: "As a council we need to push that agenda of improving cycle safety and pedestrian footpaths etc, as in the future we will be less reliant on cars."
The committee was unanimous in its support to write a formal response.
