The public has been given the opportunity to influence plans for a new multi-million pound bypass which will improve journeys between Leicester and central Lincolnshire.

Highways England has shared plans to transform the last remaining section of single carriageway on the A46, which is part of the nationally significant ‘Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor’, connecting the M5 with Humber Ports.

The proposed road upgrade will tackle congestion on the outskirts of Newark by removing bottlenecks, making journeys safer and more reliable than ever before.

For the 17,000 drivers who travel along the busy A46 every day, this increase in road capacity will put a welcome end to frustrating stop-start journeys.

Two scheme options have been progressed by Highways England, both of which promise to give an economic boost to communities across the region.

From 9 December to February 2021, everyone who lives near or regularly uses the route is encouraged to review the proposals and have their say on which solution they prefer.

Highways England project manager, Karen Green, said: “This major upgrade to the A46 will help drivers by better linking two key midlands cities – Leicester and Lincoln. Cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders are set to benefit from our plans too as we’ll provide a safer route for them to cross the A46.

“We’d prefer to share information about both scheme options at a public information event where we can meet people face-to-face. As that’s not possible right now, we’re making everything available online. It’s vital that the new bypass works for the whole community. So, I’d encourage everyone to have their say on the road’s future.”