Hope A46 upgrades will fix 'bottleneck bypass'

Major upgrades to the A46 in Newark have been discussed for years – and this week they got one step closer to reality.
For Mandy Brunning, the project to dual the A46 between Farndon and Winthorpe will make a "huge difference".
She works at Polly's Kitchen in the town and said she has stopped driving to work in favour of the bus because of gridlock traffic in and out of the Nottinghamshire town.
"There are traffic jams every day, it's horrendous. Most days it is a nightmare to get in and out of Newark," she said.
The government confirmed this week it would fund upgrades to the road as part of a £92bn project to fund transport schemes across the country.
Costs for the A46 project have soared in recent years – the £500m originally earmarked for the project rose to £686.4m last year.
National Highways said about 16,000 vehicles pass along the section of the A46 each day.
The project also includes a new flyover at the Cattle Market junction, a new bridge over the A1 and the widening of roundabouts at Farndon and Winthorpe.
Labour's Nottingham South MP and transport minister Lilian Greenwood said the government would fund the entire project.
"We're committed to funding the project and we recognise that the cost of lots of projects announced a long time ago have gone up," she said.
"Clearly it's an expensive project but it is something that we know is much needed.
"People can have confidence that they are going to see this road improved."

Mandy questioned whether the plans might be too little, too late for Newark.
She said: "There are an awful lot of businesses closing and a lot of people are shopping out of town because it's easier to go to a retail park.
"A lot of the businesses have already gone, so my concern is that it's too late to preserve Newark."
The scheme doesn't yet have planning permission, which Newark East county councillor Sam Smith, leader of the Conservative group on Nottinghamshire County Council, said was a concern.
He added: "It's absolutely fantastic news and something we've been fighting for.
"We should have had shovels in the ground last year but it will be great for Newark.
"I'm slightly concerned about the planning aspect of it.
"Councillors need to come together and do it for the residents to make life here better."
'Peace of mind'
Paul Smith, chair of Winthorpe with Langford Parish Council, said the news was positive for the area but raised concerns about the construction phase.
He was formerly part of the 'Think Again' campaign in the village.
"We are a cul-de-sac village so anything that impacts our access is going to impact us and we are concerned about that," he said.
"Our biggest concern is around what the impacts of construction will be around businesses, schools and people getting in and out of Winthorpe.
"We are in support of it but we want the minimum amount of impact on our community.
"If it does go ahead then we're in for three and a half years of hardship."
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