‘Farce’ as new partner sought to design and build A46 Newark Bypass scheme despite cancellation threat

A new partner is being sought to design and build the A46 Newark Bypass scheme, just months after the Government said it wanted to cancel it.

Towards the end of June, the Government announced plans to save £700 million in a bid to boost defence spending.

This prompted National Highways to cancel its £297 million contract with Skanska, which had been intending to help deliver the bypass scheme.

As such, plans to widen the bypass, which have been 15 years in the making, are now under threat of total cancellation.

The A46 bypass, as well as improvements to the A38 in Derbyshire, were the only two projects in the country deemed “not immediately vital” by former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s government at the time.

However, a new construction contract opportunity has been published by National Highways via The Construction Index, stating the organisation is seeking “to procure a design and build partner to deliver the A46 Newark Bypass road scheme.”

“This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is issued by National Highways and invites suppliers to participate in market engagement activities to inform the development of the commercial and procurement strategy for the A46 Newark Bypass scheme,” the notice reads.

It also adds: “National Highways are aware the Government are consulting on proposed changes… and that includes this project. No decisions have been made at this time.”

According to the notice, the contract value is estimated at £700 million, or £840 million including VAT.

The contract dates are estimated between December 4, 2028, and December 6, 2038, a ten-year period.

A presentation, Q&A session and other engagement sessions are expected to be held with potential contractors in October, according to the notice.

When approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the notice, National Highways said the Department for Transport was handling media requests.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We have consulted with stakeholders on the possible cancellation of the A46 Newark Bypass road scheme.

“No final decision has been made, and we are carefully considering the responses before setting out the way forward.”

When asked specifically about the new contract tender, the DfT said National Highways was handling requests.

National Highways declined to comment.

A consultation period for all involved organisations, including the East Midlands Combined County Authority and local councils, ended mid-September, and it is understood responses are now being considered.

Cllr Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, told the LDRS: “We’ve made contributions, and we are waiting for the Government response, which we expect in the autumn statement. We continue to work closely with Mayor Claire Ward.”

The debacle has prompted concerns from Newark’s Reform MP, Robert Jenrick.

He added: “This is spectacular incompetence. First Labour cancelled the Newark Bypass, ditching the contractor and years of planning. Now, after our campaign, they’re reconsidering building it – but at double the original cost. This is a clown show, not a government. How can local people and businesses have any confidence after this farce?

“Once again, this government have treated local people as an afterthought by informing the trade press of their plans before the taxpaying public,

MPs or councils. The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, won’t even reply to my letter and has been missing in action.

“This road is a non-negotiable investment for Newark and Nottinghamshire. I won’t stop campaigning until shovels are in the ground. If Labour won’t build it, a Reform government will.”

An EMCCA spokesperson added: “We are engaging with the government on the basis of our consultation response.”