Posted on 29th Apr
A major new road connecting the A1 to the A46 near Newark has been completed, aiming to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and unlock future growth for the town and surrounding area.
The Southern Link Road, known as Middlebeck Way, is a key piece of infrastructure that will support the continued expansion of the Middlebeck community, while making journeys in and around Newark quicker and more reliable.
The £100m project has been led by Urban&Civic, the master developer of Middlebeck, in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders and funders. Constructed in stages by Breheny Civil Engineering and ECL Civil Engineering, the 5km-long single carriageway, which has opened earlier than expected, has been designed to ease congestion, improve journey times, and strengthen Newark’s connectivity.
The scheme also unlocks land to the south of the town, supporting the delivery of up to 3,150 new homes at Middlebeck.
As well as improving transport infrastructure, the road runs alongside footpaths and a series of drainage ponds that enhance biodiversity and support sustainable water management across the development.
Nigel Hugill, chief executive of Urban&Civic, said: “Successful public / private sector partnerships are a common aspiration but seldom delivered in practice.
“The new strategic link is a shining example that has been over a decade in the making. Eventually, Urban&Civic took the construction risk and met the bulk of the cost, but it was public funding, underpinned by a clear and unwavering recognition of the project significance, that bridged the gap. I can only applaud the extent of that resolve.
“In our turn, recognising also the sustained co-operation of National Highways and oversight from the Environment Agency, we have been able to deliver the project early and in anticipation of completion of the A46 bypass. Urban&Civic is all in for Newark — additional master planned housing growth at Middlebeck, alongside the thriving, relocated Christ Church Primary School, provides further demonstration (of that).”
The leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Coun Mick Barton, added: “The Southern Link Road demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working.
“By bringing together public and private investment, we’ve been able to support a scheme that delivers real transport improvements, while unlocking wider regeneration, housing growth, and economic opportunities for Newark and the county.
“This investment reflects our long‑term commitment to improving transport infrastructure and the Southern Link Road will play a key role in reducing traffic pressures in and around Newark and improving journey reliability.
“Businesses and the public will welcome this major road opening, and I’m delighted that the county council played its part in the funding package.”
Coun Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “The opening of this new road is great news for the whole district. It will help ease dreaded congestion and allow much-needed homes and employment opportunities to be delivered.
“It is a real testament to partnership working, spearheaded by the district council, that we have managed to open this road months ahead of schedule and within budget.”
National Highways director of Third Party Projects Tim Coffey said from the beginning the project had been a very close collaboration between National Highways and Urban&Civic.
“Completion of this roundabout and junction has been a really good example of how developers, or any other third parties, can work effectively with National Highways to integrate and connect with our major roads,” he added.
