Business boost from A46 work

The dualling of 17 miles of the A46 between Newark and Widmerpool is already benefiting businesses as journey times and expenses are cut, it is said.

The road will be officially opened today by Highways Agency chief executive Mr Graham Dalton, marking the completion of the major infrastructure project that started in 2009.

It has been finished on time and within the £358m to £409m budget by principal contractors Balfour Beatty.

Journey times to Nottingham are expected to improve by up to 17 minutes, even taking into account projected traffic increases.

The MP for Newark, Mr Patrick Mercer, said it had been a silver lining to the economic recession.

He said: “The real credit for the start of this project lies with the recession.

“It was one silver lining because the Government thought it would create the jobs and wealth to be worth doing.

“I am delighted to see it done. I think it is a big asset and a very important business link for Newark.

“We have seen the benefits of the dualling to Lincoln and how it has made business so much easier to do, and now we will have the same benefits to the west and the big wealth centres of Nottingham and Leicester.

“Travelling at an average of 20mph was very expensive in terms of time and fuel and I think businesses are already seeing the benefits.”

Mr James Fountain, the chairman of Newark Business Club, said it would dramatically improve the efficiency of travel for both businesses and people visiting Newark.

“It has been an agony corridor so it will make a big difference to business in improving the efficiency of the area and in terms of people getting here quicker,” he said.

“For businesses looking to relocate, Newark is now in easy travelling distance of the major centres and hopefully they will choose it as a destination.

“It will definitely benefit the retail trade as well because people will start to travel here to visit and to shop. It is a real boost all round.”