Planning consent sought for roundabout that will kick-start Newark's Southern Link Road
Plans have been submitted for a roundabout that is a missing part of the jigsaw in helping to ease Newark’s traffic woes.
The junction is part of the Southern Link Road that will create a new four-mile-long road, linking the A46 near Farndon with the A1 at Fernwood, with roundabout at both ends.
As well as easing congestion, it is also said the new road will unlock the area’s economic potential.
It is another important milestone in the Southern Link Road project.
If approved the new roundabout will be created from a spur on the existing Farndon A46 roundabout.
It will have dedicated filter lanes to support a continuous flow of vehicles travelling northbound on the A46 and coming from the relief road, travelling southbound on the A46.
“The submission of this planning application marks a significant step at easing the congestion around Newark which I know, when delivered, will be welcomed by many residents,” said David Lloyd, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council.
“In addition, it will help Newark position itself to make significant local, regional and national contributions to the economy.
“This in turn will attract new skills and create new jobs to further help with the town’s regeneration.
“It will offer more opportunities to our residents and businesses and this is an exciting development post pandemic.”
The relief road development is a part of a much larger, long-term project, encompassing over 3,000 new homes and creating up to 5,000 new jobs.
Phase one, between Bowbridge Road and Staple Lane, has long been complete but the entire road, which should be fully open by now, has been beset by funding problems because developer Urban&Civic couldn’t afford it on its own.
Newark and Sherwood District Council successfully bid to the government’s Levelling Up Fund, securing a £20m contribution towards delivery of the new road, which has accelerated the delivery programme.
National Highways has led a collaborative design process, seeking a cost-effective design solution that meets the needs of the junction working in the land that is available to use.
Urban&Civic said it remained committed to delivering the project, which unlocks its ability to build more homes under its planning consent.
It said: “Finally unlocking the SLR will allow us to continue to grow the Middlebeck community, alongside new homes, employment opportunities, parks, and sporting facilities.”
Subject to planning approval from the district council, it is envisaged construction work will start early next year. with the aim of being in use before the end of 2024.
