A46 Newark to Widmerpool Improvement
Project Introduction
In 2004 the Highways Agency appointed Scott Wilson as the
designer for the proposed improvement of the A46 between Newark and
Widmerpool by construction of a new 28km, two-lane dual
carriageway. The contract value of the works was £317m.
Project background
The area designated for the widened section of the A46 is
environmentally sensitive in terms of landscape, heritage and
biodiversity. Key constraints to the project included Areas of
Mature Landscape, Scheduled Ancient Monuments at Margidunum and Ad
Pontem, Farndon Fields Palaeolithic site, Stoke Battlefield,
Flintham Historic Park and Gardens, numerous Site of Interest for
Nature Conservation (SINCs) and habitats used by protected species.
Agricultural activities extend along the whole length of the scheme
which includes the ’best and most versatile‘ agricultural areas.
Many surface water ditches, watercourses and ponds are present
along the section, in addition to local groundwater resources. The
northern section of the scheme traverses the River Trent and River
Devon floodplain. There is a wide network of footpaths and
bridleways within the vicinity of the scheme in addition to a
section of the National Cycle Route.
Project Scope
The scope of the environmental work included input into design
optioneering, Environmental Impact Assessment leading to the
preparation of the Environmental Statement and provision of Expert
Witnesses at Public Inquiry.
Value Adding Project Achievements
The environmental specialists for Scott Wilson were key in the
optioneering process for the mainline, junctions and side roads,
which resulted in awareness of the environmental constraints by the
design team and avoidance of sensitive sites and features of
interest. Early consultation with Statutory Consultees and local
interest groups such as the Wildlife Trust was undertaken to
promote awareness of the scheme and the environmental input to the
design, and aided in the development of the mitigation
strategy.
