Skanska gets £345m A46 job but DCO bid put back

25/08/2022 | CHRIS AMES

National Highways has awarded Skanska a £345m contract to design and construct the new A46 Newark Bypass, subject to a significantly delayed planning application next year.

The government-owned company announced its preferred route – Option 2 Modified – in February.

Under Option 2 Modified the scheme will:

  • widen the A46 to a dual carriageway to provide two lanes in each direction between the Farndon and Winthorpe junctions
  • provide a new bridge over the A1 to the north of the existing bridge
  • add a flyover junction at Cattle Market with the A46 elevated to pass over the roundabout. This will separate through traffic from local traffic
  • add traffic lights to Farndon junction to improve flows during peak hours
  • enlarge Winthorpe junction to a five-arm roundabout with traffic lights to connect the new A46 link.

It has now said it will hold another public consultation in October ahead of submitting an application for a development consent order (DCO) ‘in late 2023’ with main construction work ‘expected to begin in 2025’.

A complex set of roundabouts currently link the A46 to the A1 and A17

National Highways' 2022-23 Delivery Plan Update notes that the start of works has been deferred from 2024-25 to Road Period 3 (2025-30) following delayed approval for the preferred route announcement, which was due last year.

However, the latest assessment of National Highways' performance from the Office of Rail and Road, published in July, states that the expected submission date for DCO application had been moved by agreement with the Government to ‘Q2 2022-23’, i.e. the current quarter of the current financial year.

National Highways said the scheme is expected to cost between £400m and £500m.

Skanska, which will undertake the design and construction of the scheme, with Mott McDonald as design partner, gave the value of its contract as £345m.

It won the project through the National Highways Regional Delivery Partnership (RDP) framework, for which it is a Delivery Integration Partner for the East of England and Midlands regions.

Phil Boffey, senior project manager at National Highways, said: ‘This scheme will bring relief for the communities enduring the current congestion as well as drivers using this key trade corridor.

‘We are determined to ensure that, as far as possible, the improvements work for the community as a whole and will continue to consider the views of road users and local people as we work with Skanska in the design and delivery of this upgrade.’

Jonathan Willcock, managing director of Skanska’s Infrastructure business, said: ‘We’ll be working with National Highways and our design partner, Mott McDonald, bringing together a really strong and integrated team, alongside our wider supply chain.

‘We’re taking the lead for this project from the preliminary design stage, which will enable us to more closely align design, consultation and buildability. This will help us to identify opportunities to optimise productivity, reduce cost and carbon emissions and deliver the project safely – while leaving a positive legacy for local people.’

National Highways said surveys and assessments are currently being carried out to develop the design of the preferred route.

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW