The following information is summarised from a news release from the Highways Agency.
Detailed plans of the proposed dualling of the A46 between Newark and Widmerpool were published on 26 January 2007, with the Highways Agency inviting the public to comment upon the proposals.
The scheme has now been divided into two parts and the Agency has republished draft Orders and an Environmental Statement to reflect the changes.
The draft Orders published on 26 January replace those published in December 2005 which are now withdrawn, although there is very little change in relation to the proposals within Rushcliffe. This means that people have another chance to comment on the proposals. However, comments or objections previously registered would not need to be resubmitted, as they remain part of the ongoing consultation process. A public inquiry into the plans is due to be held in summer 2007.
The A46 dualling scheme involves the widening to a dual carriageway of 17 miles (28 km) of existing road, with split-level junctions to separate through traffic and locally bound road users, as well as a bypass for East Stoke and Farndon.
Work is scheduled to be implemented in two stages over a period of five years, with advance work commencing in 2011/12 and the bulk of the project taking place from 2012/13 until 2016/17.
The first section, between Newark and the A52 at Saxondale, will be completed and opened before the second phase of works between the A52 and Widmerpool commences.
In advance of the works, public exhibitions are due to be held at Cotgrave Welfare on Thursday 8 February, from 12 noon until 8pm and at the Bearings on Newark's Bowbridge Road on Saturday 10 February from 10am until 4pm. All comments should be submitted by 9 March.
