Major companies including Vodafone, British Sugar and Newark Showground have given their backing for the £500m A46 Newark Bypass plans, saying the scheme is crucial in unlocking the region’s growth potential.

The plans would see the widening and restructuring of the stretch of road between Farndon and Winthorpe, with a flyover built at Cattle Market Roundabout.

A report released by Midlands Connect highlights the significance of upgrading the route for local businesses and the economy.

One firm reliant on the junction running smoothly is Vodafone, which has a significant regional presence in Newark. The company has warned that without improvements to the junction, there is a chance the company will have to reduce its presence in the area or withdraw altogether.

Daniel Copper, national marketing lead at Vodafone, said: “If the office space is underutilised due to people avoiding coming in as the traffic is so bad, Vodafone is less likely to continue requiring that office.”

Graham Wright, environment manager at British Sugar, which processes all the sugar beet grown in the UK and supply 60% of the UK market, pointed out the importance of the A46 not just for the people of Newark, but for wider UK connectivity.

He said: “The road network here is almost like a gateway, from the A46 you can access so much of the rest of the country that in investing in this stretch of road you would benefit not only Newark but wider UK connectivity.”

Simon Eccleston, chief executive at Newark Showground, said: “Queues can be miles long and so if you’re trying to attend an event here at the showground, clearly that can mean that you’re 2 hours delayed sometimes. Newark Rugby Club Bonfire Night started over an hour late because we just simply couldn’t get people into the showground on time.

“Improving the A46 would be the best thing possible for business and the best thing possible for Newark as well. The sooner the works can start, the better.”

In November 2023, Midlands Connect released a report proposing upgrades and finishing the Newark bypass. The scheme was dubbed as ‘imperative’ by Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace.

The plans are now in the pre-examination stage with the Planning Inspectorate and a full examination will begin later this year before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State for Transport who will make a final decision.

Swati Mittal, integrated transport programme lead at Midlands Connect, said: “This report highlights the day-to-day impact that not having necessary improvements around Newark has on residents, commuters and businesses. It is hurting the economy and it is frequently snarled up in traffic gridlock.

“This is why Midlands Connect has worked with local councils, National Highways and Robert Jenrick MP to advocate for upgrades to the area.

“We hope to see movement soon and positive news for Newark.”