National Highways has started market engagement for a £700m contract to widen 6.5km of the A46 Newark Bypass to dual carriageway. This move comes despite the scheme’s future remaining under Government consultation.
6.5km of dual carriageway planned
The proposed project would widen the existing single carriageway between the Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent. The upgrade would provide two lanes in each direction, improving the connection between the M1 and Leicester, and the A1 and central Lincolnshire.
National Highways aims to secure a design and build partner through the preliminary market engagement process. The contract is estimated at £700m excluding VAT (£840m including VAT) with potential delivery dates between December 2028 and December 2038.
Market engagement amid uncertainty
The Government’s current consultation on changes to the Road Investment Strategy (RIS3) includes the A46 Newark Bypass. No final decision has been made on whether the scheme will proceed, according to National Highways and the Department for Transport.
The formal Development Consent Order was approved in October 2025, but the scheme’s future remains uncertain. The Department for Transport indicated in July that the A46 Newark Bypass could be cancelled, pending consultation outcomes.
Procurement moves ahead for contractors
Suppliers interested in the contract must register by 13 October 2026. National Highways plans to issue a pre-recorded procurement presentation on 20 October, followed by one-to-one engagement sessions starting 26 October.
This early market engagement provides contractors and consultants with insight into the potential procurement approach and contract value, even while the scheme’s status is unresolved.
Planning consent secured but no construction start
The scheme already has planning permission but National Highways has not confirmed a start date or allocated funding for construction. Previous contracts with Skanska for construction works were cancelled after the delivery timeline extended.
The procurement activity reflects preparation rather than approval. National Highways is advancing the commercial process while awaiting the Government’s final decision on the investment programme.
Next steps depend on consultation outcome
The key development will be the Government’s consultation result, which will determine if the A46 Newark Bypass remains in the National Roads Fund programme.
Until then, the procurement notice underscores National Highways’ readiness to proceed but does not guarantee construction. Contractors and highways firms should monitor the consultation closely before committing resources.
National Highways continues to ready the market and define the procurement route for one of the East Midlands’ largest planned road schemes, subject to future Government approval.
