National Highways is seeking a design-and-build partner for the A46 Newark Bypass, despite the Government still considering whether the scheme should be cancelled.
The agency has published a preliminary market engagement notice for the project, which puts the estimated contract value at £700m excluding VAT, or £840m including VAT. The proposed contract period is from 4 December 2028 to 6 December 2038.
Contractor engagement begins
The notice says National Highways wants to “procure a design and build partner to deliver the A46 Newark Bypass road scheme”. Presentations, question-and-answer sessions and other engagement activities with potential suppliers are expected to take place in October.
It also acknowledges that the Government is consulting on possible changes affecting the project, stating: “No decisions have been made at this time.”
The scheme has been in development for around 15 years. In June, the Government announced plans to save £700m for increased defence spending and National Highways cancelled its £297m contract with Skanska, which had been involved in plans to deliver the bypass.
The A46 project and improvements to the A38 in Derbyshire were identified as the only schemes considered “not immediately vital” by the Government at that time.
Decision expected after consultation
A consultation involving organisations including the East Midlands Combined County Authority and local councils ended in mid-September. Responses are now being considered, with the Government expected to set out its position in the autumn statement.
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.”
National Highways referred media enquiries to the Department for Transport and declined to comment specifically on the new contract notice.
Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the authority had made contributions to the consultation and was waiting for the Government’s response. The East Midlands Combined County Authority said it was engaging with the Government on the basis of its consultation response.
Robert Jenrick, the Reform MP for Newark, criticised the uncertainty surrounding the project. He said: “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.”