East Midlands Councils (EMC) and Transport for the East Midlands (TfEM) have today welcomed the Department for Transport’s announcement of funding for the A46 Newark bypass and A38 Derby Junctions through the Road Investment Strategy.
This announcement forms part of a wider national package of more than 50 road and rail upgrades, which the Government says will support over 39,000 new homes and 42,000 jobs across the country.
The A46 Newark and A38 Derby Junctions have been longstanding regional priorities, consistently highlighted by TfEM and emphasised in the region’s Comprehensive Spending Review submission.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Chair of Transport for the East Midlands, said: “We welcome today’s announcements on the A46 Newark Bypass and A38 Derby Junctions, two schemes that will reduce congestion, improve safety and facilitate much needed new development.
“The A46 Newark bypass has been our number one trunk road priority for some time and will tackle a notorious bottleneck on a critical east-west trade route.
“We also welcome the announcement on the Midlands Rail Hub, which is an important national scheme, but it is clear that further commitment is needed to deliver the eastern section serving Derby, Nottingham and Leicester.
“Alongside full electrification of the Midland Main Line, these rail investments are essential if the East Midlands is to see its full potential realised.”
A46 Newark bypass
The A46 Newark bypass will upgrade the remaining single carriageway section around Newark to dual carriageway, addressing a critical bottleneck on a nationally important east–west corridor. The scheme will improve journey times and reliability, while enabling the delivery of thousands of new homes and jobs in the area.
Cllr Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said: “Today’s announcement is a very welcome step forward for the A46 Newark bypass scheme, which is vital for our area and the wider region.
“Upgrading this stretch will ease congestion and unlock growth in and around Newark. While funding remains subject to the Development Consent Order, the Government’s announcement sends a clear signal of its intent to deliver this scheme.”
Nottinghamshire County Council Leader, Mick Barton, said: “This long-awaited investment is very much welcomed as the A46 is a key route for our county and has been in need of an upgrade for many years.
“It’s good news for local residents and businesses alike, as it will help ease congestion, improve infrastructure, boost the economy and attract much-needed housing.
“Today’s announcement also includes funding for the Midlands Rail Hub, however we are disappointed it does not commit to the East Midlands area, so we will be pressing the Government on this, plus lobbying for further rail investment.”
A38 Derby Junctions
The A38 Derby Junctions scheme will improve three key junctions (Kingsway, Markeaton, and Little Eaton) to cut congestion, enhance air quality, and improve safety on the route around Derby. It will also unlock housing and economic growth across the Derby Housing Market Area. After over two decades of delay and legal challenges, today’s decision finally provides much-needed certainty.
Midlands Rail Hub
TfEM also welcomed confirmation of funding to deliver the Midlands Rail Hub, described as a transformational scheme that could increase capacity, frequency, and connectivity across the Midlands.
However, the announcement does not deliver MRH East, serving Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, with this section of the route remaining subject to the completion of a separate Outline Business Case, with no commitment from Government to progress to a Full Business Case or delivery.
TfEM stressed the need for the East Midlands to fully benefit from national rail investment and reiterated their call for the Government to clarify its commitment to MRH East and to the parallel Midlands, Yorkshire and North East (MYNE) Study, and to commit to the delivery of full electrification of the Midland Main Line to Sheffield, a long-standing regional priority that remains unresolved.
EMC and TfEM will continue to work with Government and partners to ensure that the East Midlands receives the investment needed to drive growth and improve transport connectivity.