Highways England unveil details of plans for £27.4bn investment in strategic road network including A46 Newark bypass

Highways England has unveiled details of plans for £27.4bn investment in the strategic road network across the country.

In a boost to the nation’s recovery, Highways England said its plans would help support 64,000 construction industry jobs.

The plans set out how Highways England will deliver the government’s second Road Investment Strategy announced at the Budget in March.

Around 30 schemes are in the pipeline for potential construction post 2025.

Among a series of major upgrades are 17 in the Midlands while three further schemes, among them the A46 Newark bypass, will open beyond this period.

With regard to the A46, a Highways England spokesperson said: “The A46 Newark northern bypass is in the early stages of development.

“More details about the scheme are expected to be issued later this year.”

Newark MP and Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "On Thursday I held a meeting with the chief executive of Highways England, Jim O’Sullivan, to hear an update on the A46.

"Good news the £400m project remains on course. It is anticipated that a public consultation will open this winter, with a view to a preferred route and configuration being announced next year.

“This is great news for the town, providing a much needed boost to confidence at a challenging time.

"The £400m investment is proceeding and residents will be presented with proposals this winter to consider and comment on."