Changes ahead on A46
Motorists are advised of forthcoming changes to the layout of both the A46 and A52 approaches to the Saxondale roundabout as part of the Newark to Widmerpool improvement project.
The new layout will be in place for A46 north and southbound traffic after 10pm a week today, when traffic travelling through the Saxondale area will be diverted using both the new and existing roundabouts and back on to the existing A46.
A52 traffic will then be switched to the new layout via both roundabouts after 10pm a week on Monday, after which it will continue its route along the A52.
The new layouts will be publicised in advance by signs along the route, and traffic will be diverted using variable message signs once the new diversions are in place.
The revised layout will remain until late 2011, when the A46 will revert to running on its new dual carriageway.
The Highways Agency is liaising with bus companies. Where existing bus stops are affected, temporary stops will be installed and signposted.
Mr Geoff Bethel, senior project manager for the Highways Agency, said: “Diverting traffic via the new Saxondale roundabout requires a significant alteration in the road layout for motorists through this section of the scheme, which is why we want to give road users as much notice as possible of the impending changes.
“The traffic switch also represents another important milestone for the scheme as a whole as we continue to progress on schedule.”
The new traffic management will allow the embankments for the A52 to be built up in order to take the new A46 carriageway over the top of the A52. Road users are advised to plan journeys and allow extra time.
Up-to-date information is available online at www.high ways.gov.uk/traffic, through the Traffic Radio digital service or on 0300 123 5000.
Meanwhile, sections of a 1,300-tonne bridge to replace the railway bridge that spans the A46 at Bingham are being delivered from Wales and assembled in a field next to the line.
Balfour Beatty, the same contractor as for the A46, says the rail bridge project is on course to be completed on December 28, when the line will be fully operational again.
The line has been subject so far to three of six weekend closures.
Main building work on the £380m scheme to build a 17-mile dual carriageway started in June last year and is expected to be finished in summer 2012.
Work on all 22 bridges is under way.
