Travel

The planned two-way dual carriageway on the 28 kilometre stretch between Newark and Widmerpool aims to provide a new, fast link between the A1 and M1. It will also improve road safety on the A46.

Reasons

The A46 is an important regional trunk road connecting the East and West Midlands - with approximately 20,000 vehicles using it every day. This level of traffic gives rise to frequent congestion and delay.

It is generally straight and undulating as it follows the line of the old Roman Road, the Fosse Way, which can make overtaking difficult. The road has a poor safety record. In the five years between 2001 and 2005 there have been 13 fatal, 56 serious and 222 slight accidents.

The plans

The improvements on the Nottinghamshire stretch of the A46 include a bypass, new level junctions, extra lighting and concrete safety barriers along the whole length of the central reserve.

Timeline

Construction on the widening of the road through Nottinghamshire began in June. The Highways Agency say the improvement work is due to be completed in 2012.