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A46 road
A46 road
A46 road
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This article is about the road in England. For other uses, see A46.

A46 shield
A46
A46narwooley.jpg
A46 near Woolley and Swainswick
Route information
Length183.5 mi[1][2][3] (295.3 km)
HistoryConstruction completed:
Warwick and Kenilworth Bypass – 1974
Newark-On-Trent Relief Road – October 1990
Leicester Western Bypass – November 1995
Lincoln Relief Road – December 1985
Newark to Widmerpool dualling – June 2012
Alcester to Evesham dual carriageway – August 1995
Major junctions
From A4 in Bath (51°23′49″N 2°20′10″W / 51.397°N 2.336°W / 51.397; -2.336)
Major intersections M4 near Tormarton

M5 in Tewkesbury
M40 near Warwick
M6 / M69 near Coventry

M1 near Leicester
To A180 / A1098 in Cleethorpes (53°33′40″N 0°02′06″W / 53.561°N 0.035°W / 53.561; -0.035)
Location
CountryUnited Kingdom
CountiesSomerset, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire
Primary
destinations		Stroud, Cheltenham, Royal Leamington Spa, Coventry, Leicester, Newark-on-Trent, Lincoln
Road network
← A45→ A47

The A46 is a major A road in England. It starts east of Bath, Somerset and ends in Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, but it does not form a continuous route. Large portions of the old road have been lost, bypassed, or replaced by motorway development. Between Leicester and Lincoln the road follows the course of the Roman Fosse Way, but between Bath and Leicester, two cities also linked by the Fosse Way, it follows a more westerly course.

History

[edit]

The original (1923) route of the A46 was from Bath to Laceby, passing through Cheltenham, Broadway, Stratford-on-Avon, Coventry, Leicester, Newark and Lincoln. Unusually for such a long road, no changes were made to its route until the 1970s. In recent years the central sections of the road have been rerouted and renumbered substantially, and there are now two sections where there are gaps of over 10 miles (16 km) where the road does not exist at all. The A46 has also been extended from Laceby to Grimsby and Cleethorpes – the road between Laceby and Grimsby was originally part of the A18. The section that connects Caistor and Nettleton has a couple of dangerous junctions.

The major realignments have been

  • Between Coventry and Leicester the original road was downgraded to the B4065 and the B4114 as a result of the opening of the M69 motorway in 1977.[citation needed]
  • Between Cheltenham and Stratford-on-Avon the road was realigned in the 1980s through Evesham on the former route of the A435 and A439. The original route through some of the most picturesque parts of the Cotswold Hills was downgraded to the B4632.[citation needed]
  • The route was subsequently cut between Cheltenham and Teddington and that section became the A435 again. The A46 was diverted to connect with the M5 motorway on part of the former route of the A438.
  • Between Evesham and north of Stratford the route was again realigned to run by Alcester and by-pass Stratford, partly on the former line of the A422. The previous route through Bidford-on-Avon to Stratford became the B439,[citation needed] and north of Stratford the old route became the A439.[citation needed]
  • A new alignment was built from Junction 21a of the M1 to by-pass Leicester to the north. The old route through Leicester was redesignated the A5460 (Narborough Road, in the southwest) and A607 (Belgrave Road/Melton Road, in the northeast). The A607 deviates from the straight course of the Fosse Way, bypassing the village centres of Thurmaston and Syston.
  • The A46 was realigned to by-pass Warwick, Kenilworth and Coventry, and the old route was redesignated the A429[citation needed] and the A4600.[citation needed] It opened in June 1974.[4]

Bypasses were also built around Market Rasen, Lincoln and Newark.

Route

[edit]

Cleethorpes – A1 (Newark)

[edit]

The A46 starts at Isaac's Hill roundabout with the A1098 and the A180.[citation needed] It meets the A1031 at a roundabout and passes the King George V Stadium on the right. It meets the B1213 from the right, then crosses the A16 Peaks Parkway where it gains primary status. It heads into Grimsby, meeting the A1243 Bargate (former A16). It meets the B1444 where the road becomes a dual carriageway. It meets the A18 at a roundabout. This was the old terminus of the A46, and what is now the A46 heading east into Grimsby used to be the A18. The road becomes the single carriageway road once again and runs alongside the north part of the Lincolnshire Wolds. It bypasses Irby upon Humber and enters the East Midlands. It bypasses Swallow to the North. It climbs a hill to meet the B1225, A1173, and A1084 just east of Caistor. The road crosses the Nottingham – Grimsby railway at a level crossing.[5] The road becomes very straight and flat, passing through Middle Rasen Plantation and meets the A1103 from the right. The A631 leaves to the right at a T junction. The road bypasses Dunholme to the south then it passes close to the former RAF Dunholme Lodge.[6] It passes the headquarters for Lincolnshire Police on the left.[7] It meets the A158 (for Skegness) and the B1182 (former route into Lincoln) at a roundabout.

The A46 Lincoln Relief Road is coincident with the A15.[8] The A15 leaves to the right at a roundabout. The road becomes dual carriageway and traverses the Lincoln Cliff. It meets the A57 at the Carholme roundabout and crosses the Lincoln – Gainsborough railway. After bypassing Lincoln, it starts following the route of the old Fosse Way (bar bypasses). The A46 passes the former airfield of RAF Swinderby. The road becomes the boundary of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire for 1 mile (1.6 km). The road enters Nottinghamshire and the road bypasses Brough. The new section of road finishes at the roundabout with the A1133.[citation needed] The A17 joins from the left at a roundabout.

A1 (Newark) – M1 (Leicester)

[edit]
A section of the A46 in Glenfield, Leicestershire just before it joins the M1 motorway

The road crosses the A1. Newark is bypassed to the North and West ending on a roundabout with the B6166. The road continues south-west, meeting the A6097 and A52 near Bingham. The single carriageway section between Newark and the Widmerpool A606 junction was replaced by a new dual carriageway road which was completed in April 2012.[9] Heading South from the A606 junction, the existing dual carriageway still following the route of the Fosse Way. The road crosses the A6006 North of Six Hills. Syston is bypassed to the West, and at a roundabout with the A607 the route continues in a Westerly direction onto the Leicester Western Bypass. There are grade separated junctions with the A6, A5630 and A50.[10] This section of the road ends at a junction with the B5380, with the forward route flowing on to the M1. It originally continued towards Coventry until the opening of the M69 motorway in the 1970s, which replaced the A46 as the main route between Leicester and Coventry, with the former A46 being downgraded.

M6 (Coventry) – M5 (Tewkesbury)

[edit]
The A46 junction for Stoneleigh and the University of Warwick

The A46 reappears at Coventry at junction 2 of the M6, it follows the boundary between the district of Rugby and the borough of Coventry, always staying inside Warwickshire. At Binley Woods the A428 is crossed at a roundabout. The next roundabout is the signal controlled Tollbar Roundabout, where there are exits for the A45 and Coventry Airport. There is a break in the road here, and it resumes again at Festival Island where it takes the southern exit on to the three-lane Kenilworth bypass. Along the bypass there are exits for Stoneleigh and the University of Warwick, Kenilworth and Leamington Spa (A452). At the Warwick (A429) exit, the bypass drops down to two lanes, closely followed by an exit for the A4177 and Warwick Parkway railway station. The M40 is passed over west of Longbridge roundabout, as a new bypass now brings the mainline carriageway away from Junction 15, the A46 meets a small roundabout, connecting with the B4463 and a link to Junction 15 for northbound A46 traffic to access the M40 and A429 respectively.

The 3-mile (4.8 km) dual carriageway section south of the improved Longbridge island is the only part of the A46 on its original routing between Leicester and Cheltenham. Stratford is bypassed to the north as a single carriageway road, crossing the A3400 and meeting the A422. Between here and Alcester the A46 is coincident with the A422, with the A46 taking priority. Alcester is bypassed to the south of the town. At a roundabout the A435 leaves to the North for Redditch and Birmingham. The A46 takes a dual carriageway route to the south towards Evesham, meeting the B439 at a roundabout near Bidford on Avon. Almost immediately after the roundabout, the road enters Worcestershire and Wychavon district, then goes back into Warwickshire, before going back into Worcestershire Near Harvington. At the northern end of the Evesham bypass, the A44 joins at a roundabout and becomes coincident with the A46. The next roundabout on the bypass is the B4035, followed by the A44 (for Oxford), The final roundabout on the bypass is with the A4184 and the A46 continues to head south. The villages of Sedgeberrow (bypassed) and Beckford are on the route. At the Teddington Hands roundabout, the A435 heads south to Cheltenham, while the A46 heads west. It passes Ashchurch close to Ashchurch for Tewkesbury railway station. This section of the A46 ends on the M5 roundabout at junction 9.

Cheltenham – Bath

[edit]
A fingerpost sign along the A46 in South Gloucestershire. Near the junction with the M4

After a gap filled in by the A435, the A46 reappears on its original route in the centre of Cheltenham. It then heads through Brockworth, Stroud, through Nailsworth, to the M4 motorway, where since 2003 access to the roundabout has been controlled by traffic lights. From the M4, the A46 heads to Bath, ending at its junction with the A4 to the east of the city. From here there is a continuous route to Southampton via the A36 and to Poole via the A350.

The 3-mile (4.8 km) £45 million dual-carriageway Batheaston/Swainswick Bypass, opened in summer 1996, contains 1-mile (1.6 km) of the A46.[11][12] In February 1994, a camp was set up on Solsbury Hill, to protest the Batheaston bypass, however this was ultimately unsuccessful and construction was completed by November 1995.[13][14]

A small section of the A46 between Painswick and Stroud subsided during the floods on Friday 29 July 2007 and was shut for over 6 months, causing quite an impact on the local area. The road re-opened on 15 February 2008.[citation needed]

Junction list

[edit]

First segment

[edit]
CountyLocationmi[1]kmDestinationsNotes
SomersetBath0.00.0 A4 / A36 / A363 – Bath, Chippenham, Warminster, Bradford-on-AvonSouthern terminus
GloucestershireCold Ashton4.36.9 A420 – Bristol, Chippenham, Warmley, Bridgeyate, Wick, Marshfield
Tormarton7.8–
8.0		12.6–
12.9		 M4 to M32 / M5 – Wales, The South West, The Midlands, Bristol, London, SwindonThe Midlands signed northbound only; M4 junction 18
Sodbury9.915.9 A432 west (Badminton Road) / B4040 – Chipping Sodbury, Yate, Malmesbury, Old Sodbury, Acton Turville, Badminton, Castle CombeCastle Combe signed southbound only; eastern terminus of A432
Hawkesbury13.722.0 A433 north-east – CirencesterSouth-western terminus of A433
Kingscote20.032.2 A4135 – Dursley, Tetbury, Kingscote, Wotton-under-Edge, Beverston
Rodborough26.442.5 Dudbridge Road to A419 / M5 – Stonehouse, Cainscross, Dudbridge, Gloucester, CheltenhamNo access from A46 south to Dudbridge Road
Stroud27.243.8 A419 south-east (Dr. Newton's Way) – Town centre, Cirencester, Chalford, BrimscombeBrimscombe signed southbound only; southern terminus of A419 concurrency
A419 north-west / Rowcroft to M5 – Bristol, Cainscross, Ebley, Stonehouse, Gloucester, CheltenhamCainscross, Ebley and Stonehouse signed northbound only, Gloucester and Cheltenham southbound only; northern terminus of A419 concurrency
27.744.6 Stratford Road (A4171 west) to A419 / A38 – Dursley, Cainscross, StonehouseStonehouse signed southbound only; eastern terminus of A4171
Pitchcombe29.146.8 A4173 north – Edge, GloucesterSouthern terminus of A4173
Badgeworth36.458.6 A417 to M5 – Gloucester, Cirencester, BirdlipJunction on A417
Cheltenham40.4–
40.5		65.0–
65.2		 A40 / M5 / A435 / A4019 – Tewkesbury, Gloucester, Oxford, Cirencester, Charlton Kings
40.8–
42.1		65.7–
67.8		 Promenade (A4015 south) to M5 / A40 – Gloucester, Oxford, Stroud
A4019 north-west (St Margaret's Road) – Tewkesbury
A435 north (Evesham Road) – Evesham, Winchcombe, Broadway
A435 south (London Road) to A40 – Cirencester, Oxford		Northern terminus; northern terminus of A4015; eastern terminus of A4019
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Second segment

[edit]
CountyLocationmi[2]kmDestinationsNotes
GloucestershireNorthway–Ashchurch boundary0.00.0 M5 to M50 – The South West, The Midlands, South Wales, Gloucester, Worcester
A438 west (Ashchurch Road) – Tewkesbury		Southern terminus
Teddington3.15.0 A435 south / B4077 / Crashmore Lane – Cheltenham, Stow, Teddington, Bishop's Cleeve, Alderton, Toddington, WinchcombeNorthern terminus of A435
WorcestershireEvesham9.915.9 A4184 north (Cheltenham Road) to B4084 – Evesham, PershoreTo B4084 signed northbound only; southern terminus of A4184
11.418.3 A44 east / Broadway Road – Oxford, Evesham, BroadwayBroadway signed southbound only; southern terminus of A44 concurrency
13.722.0 A44 west to A4184 – Worcester, Evesham, Norton, Harvington, LenchwickTo A4184 and Lenchwick signed southbound only, Harvington signed northbound only; northern terminus of A44 concurrency
WarwickshireAlcester21.334.3 A435 north / A422 west to M42 – The North, Birmingham, Redditch, Worcester, Alcester, Arrow, StudleyThe North signed southbound only; southern terminus of A422 concurrency; southern terminus of A435
Stratford-upon-Avon26.843.1 A422 east (Alcester Road) – StratfordStratford signed southbound only; northern terminus of A422 concurrency
28.145.2 A3400 (Birmingham Road) – Henley-in-Arden, Stratford, Wilmcote
Snitterfield32.151.7 A439 south-west – Stratford, Hampton LucyDestinations signed northbound only; north-eastern terminus of A439
Shelbourne33.954.6 B4463 / Stratford Road / M40 / A429 – Leamington, Cirencester, Warwick, Henley-in-Arden, Norton LindseyLeamington signed northbound only
Begin freeway
Budbrooke–Warwick boundary34.956.2 A429 to M40 south – The South, Banbury, Cirencester, WarwickSouthbound exit and northbound entrance
Leek Wooton and Guy's Cliffe–Budbrooke–Warwick boundary36.0–
36.3		57.9–
58.4		 A4177 north / A425 south-east – Solihull, WarwickSouthern terminus of A4177; north-western terminus of A425
Leek Wootton and Guy's Cliffe38.0–
38.4		61.2–
61.8		 A429 south – Warwick, Leek Wottton
B4115 – Leek Wootton, Hill Wootton		B4115 and Hill Wootton signed northbound only, A429 and Warwick southbound only; southern terminus of A429 concurrency
Leek Wootton and Guy's Cliffe–Ashow boundary39.6–
40.1		63.7–
64.5		 A452 (A429 north) – Leamington, KenilworthNorthern terminus of A429 concurrency
Stoneleigh42.0–
42.4		67.6–
68.2		Stoneleigh
Warwickshire–West Midlands boundaryBaginton–Coventry boundary43.8–
44.5		70.5–
71.6		 A45 west to M42 – Birmingham, Coventry (S & W), Canley, Earlsdon, Finham, Baginton
A444 north to A4114 – Coventry, Whitley		Canley, Earlsdon and Baginton signed northbound only, Whitley southbound only; southern terminus of A45 concurrency; southern terminus of A444
West MidlandsCoventry44.7–
45.0		71.9–
72.4		Coventry AirportGrade-separated junction; no northbound exit
West Midlands–Warwickshire boundaryCoventry–Brandon and Bretford boundary45.2–
45.9		72.7–
73.9		 A45 east / B4110 to M45 / M1 south / A4071 – Rugby, Coventry Airport, Willenhall, Baginton, RytonGrade–separated junction; B4110 and Willenhall signed northbound only, Baginton and Ryton southbound only; northern terminus of A45 concurrency
WarwickshireBinley Woods47.3–
47.8		76.1–
76.9		 A428 – Rugby, Coventry (E & C)Grade–separated junction
Ansty50.0–
50.7		80.5–
81.6		 M69 north-east to M1 – Hinckley, Leicester, The North East
M6 to M1 / A14 – The North West, Birmingham, London, Kettering, Rugby
A4600 south-west / B4065 (Hinckley Road) – Walsgrave, Ansty		Northern terminus; south-western terminus of M69; north-eastern terminus of A4600; M6 junction 2
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Third segment

[edit]
CountyLocationmi[3]kmDestinationsNotes
LeicestershireKirby Muxloe–Glenfield boundary0.00.0 M1 south to M69 – London
B5380 – Braunstone Firth, Kirby Muxloe		Southern terminus; M1 north junction 21A
Groby1.1–
1.5		1.8–
2.4		 A50 to M1 north – Leicester, Coalville, Groby, GlenfieldThe Brantings Roundabout
Anstey1.9–
2.5		3.1–
4.0		 A5630 south-east – Beaumont Leys, AnsteyNorth-western terminus of A5630
Wanlip5.3–
5.7		8.5–
9.2		 A6 – Leicester, Loughborough, Wanlip, Birstall, RothleyWanlip signed northbound only, Birstall and Rothley southbound only
6.09.7WanlipSouthbound exit and northbound entrance
Syston6.810.9 A607 south / Martin Drive – Leicester, Thurmaston, SystonRoundabout; southern terminus of A607 concurrency
Cossington–Ratcliffe on the Wreake boundary7.7–
8.4		12.4–
13.5		 A607 north – Melton Mowbray, Cossington, East GoscoteNorthern terminus of A607 concurrency
Ratcliffe on the Wreake8.6–
8.9		13.8–
14.3		Ratcliffe on the Wreake, Sileby
Thrussington–Burton on the Wolds boundary12.9–
13.1		20.8–
21.1		B676 – Burton on the Wolds, Ragdale, Barrow upon Soar, Seagrave, Loughborough, Melton MowbrayLoughboro' and Melton signed northbound only, Barrow and Seagrave southbound only
Broughton and Old Dalby–Wymeswold boundary14.0–
14.3		22.5–
23.0		 A6006 – East Midlands Airport, Rempstone, Melton Mowbray, Wymeswold, AsfordbyAirport signed northbound only
NottinghamshireWilloughby on the Wolds–Upper Broughton boundary15.825.4Upper Broughton, Willoughby
Widmerpool–Hickling–Kinoulton boundary17.8–
18.4		28.6–
29.6		 A606 – Nottingham, Melton Mowbray, KinoultonKinoulton signed northbound only
Stanton-on-the-Wolds–Kinoulton boundary19.030.6Kinoulton
Owthorpe–Cotgrave boundary21.234.1Harby, Colston Bassett, Cotgrave, OwthorpeCotgrave signed northbound only
Cotgrave22.3–
23.0		35.9–
37.0		Cropwell Bishop, Cropwell Butler, CotgraveButler signed northbound only, Cotgrave southbound only
Cropwell Butler–Saxondale boundary24.7–
25.5		39.8–
41.0		 A52 to M1 north / A1 – The South, Grantham, Nottingham, East Midlands Airport
Newton–East Bridgford boundary26.3–
27.0		42.3–
43.5		 A6097 north – Mansfield, East Bridgford, BinghamNo southbound exit; southern terminus of A6097
East Bridgford28.145.2 To A6097 north – Mansfield, East Bridgford, BinghamSouthbound exit only
Kneeton–Screveton boundary29.2–
29.4		47.0–
47.3		Kneeton
Flintham30.8–
30.9		49.6–
49.7		Sibthorpe, Flintham, SyerstonSyerston signed northbound only
Elston32.151.7Thorpe, East Stoke, Elston, SyerstonSyerston signed southbound only
Farndon35.256.6End expressway
Newark-on-Trent37.059.5 A617 west (Kelham Road) / A616 north-west (Great North Road) / B6326 to A612 – Mansfield, Ollerton, Newark, Kelham, SouthwellEastern terminus of A617; south-eastern terminus of A616
Newark–Winthorpe boundary38.7–
39.0		62.3–
62.8		 A1 to A57 – Doncaster, Sheffield, Grantham
A17 east – Sleaford, Nottinghamshire		Coddington signed northbound only; western terminus of A17
Winthorpe–Langford boundary39.763.9 A1133 north – Gainsborough, Collingham, WinthorpeCollingham and Winthorpe signed northbound only; southern terminus of A1133
Brough40.4–
41.8		65.0–
67.3		Stapleford, Brough, Carlton-le-Moorland, Norton DisneyGrade-separated junction; Norton Disney signed northbound only
LincolnshireThorpe on the Hill–Aubourn with Haddington boundary46.975.5Aubourn, Haddington, Thorpe on the HillGrade-separated junction
Thorpe on the Hill–South Hykeham boundary47.876.9 A1434 north-east (Newark Road) / Middle Lane – Lincoln South, Thorpe on the Hill, North Hykeham, South HykehamThorpe signed northbound only; south-western terminus of A1434
Lincoln53.385.8 A57 (Saxilby Road) to A156 – Worksop, Gainsborough, Lincoln Central, Burton, Saxilby
55.088.5 A15 north / B1226 (Riseholme Road) to M180 / A18 – Humber Bridge, Scunthorpe, Immingham, Lincoln (Ermine), HullB1226, To A18, and Hull signed southbound only; southern terminus of A15 concurrency
56.190.3 A15 south / Lincoln Road to A158 – Skegness, Sleaford, LincolnNorthern terminus of A15 concurrency
Middle Rasen68.1109.6 A631 west (Gainsborough Road) – Gainsborough, West Rasen, Glentham, Caenby Corner, ScunthorpeWest Rasen, Glentham and Caenby Corner signed northbound only, Scunthorpe southbound only; southern terminus of A631 concurrency
68.9110.9 A631 east to B1202 (Gainsborough Road) – Market Rasen, Louth, WragbyLouth signed northbound only, To B1202 and Wragby southbound only; northern terminus of A631 concurrency
Osgodby71.3114.7 A1103 west (Top Road) to Gipsy Lane / A631 – Gainsborough, Glentham, Walesby, Caenby CornerEastern terminus of A1103
Caistor–Cabourne boundary78.2125.9 A1173 north (Riby Road) to A1084 – Immingham, Brigg, Humber Bridge, Caistor, Great Limber, Kirmington, StallingboroughHumber Bridge signed northbound only, Caistor southbound only; southern terminus of A1173
Laceby84.1135.3 A18 (Barton Street) to M180 / A15 / A16 – Humber Bridge, Boston, Skegness, Brigg, Humberside Airport, Louth, Waltham, Barnoldby
Grimsby88.1141.8 A1243 south (Scartho Road) to A16 – Louth, Skegness, Boston, WalthamA1243 signed southbound only; southern terminus of A1243 concurrency
88.3142.1 A1243 north (Bargate) to M180 / A180 – Town centre, Immingham, Humber BridgeOnly A1243 and Town centre signed northbound; northern terminus of A1243 concurrency
88.9143.1 A16 (Peaks Parkway) to M180 / A180 – Humber Bridge, Immingham, Boston, Skegness, Louth, Town centreTo A180 and town centre signed southbound only
Grimsby–Cleethorpes boundary89.8144.5 A1031 south (Humberston Road) – Humberston, MablethorpeMablethorpe signed southbound only; northern terminus of A1031
Cleethorpes90.7146.0 A180 west (Grimsby Road) / A1098 south (Isaac's Hill) / Prince's Road to M180 / A15 – Town centre, Humber Bridge, GrimsbyNorthern terminus; eastern terminus of A180; northern terminus of A1098
1.000 mi = 1.609 km; 1.000 km = 0.621 mi

Former routes

[edit]

Bypasses and realignments

[edit]
  • Irby upon Humber (Bypassed, now Old Main Road)
  • Swallow (Bypassed, now Caistor-Grimsby Road)
  • Lincoln (Bypassed, now A1434)
  • Newark (Bypassed, now B6166)
  • Syston (Bypassed, now unclassified)
  • Leicester (Bypassed, now A607 and A5460)
  • Coventry (Bypassed; northern section A4600; southern section now A429 [pre-1974 route],
    or A444 and A4114 [1974 — 1989 route])
  • Kenilworth and Warwick (Bypassed, now A429)
  • Stratford (Bypassed, now A439 and B439)

Downgrading

[edit]
  • Leicester – Coventry (Downgraded to B4114 upon opening of the M69)
  • Stratford – Cheltenham (Downgraded to B4632 upon diversion of route via Alcester and Evesham)

Improvements

[edit]
  • The M40 Longbridge Island bypass, a dual carriageway road which bypassed the M40 Junction 15 interchange, opened in December 2009, providing much needed relief for the junction.[15]
  • The Newark to Widmerpool Improvement is now complete and provides a new high quality grade-separated dual-carriageway which closes the gap in the corridor. Spring 2012 saw peripheral works progress and the entire project was completed by Summer 2012.[16]
  • The A45/A46 Tollbar End improvement is now complete and provides a grade separated junction, as well as improvements to the Stonebridge Highway.[17] The project was open to traffic in December 2016.
  • The A46/A428 Binley Junction Upgrade will provided a grade separated junction.
  • The junction with Lincoln Road near Welton was replaced with a three-armed roundabout, primarily to reduce its high accident rate. Work was completed in June 2021.[18]

Proposed

[edit]
  • The Sub-national Transport Body Midlands Connect prioritised the upgrading of the A46 in the Midlands Connect Strategy, published in March 2017, including a strategic study for a potential expressway route between the M5 and M40. In July 2018, Midlands Connect released "Our Routes to Growth" in which it described the first stage of its A46 corridor study, referring to the road as a "national and international economic driver that connects the East and West Midlands to the South West and the North. Investing in infrastructure improvements along this route will create a resilient alternative to the existing motorway network for businesses and freight traffic."[19] It reiterated the development a business case for upgrades to the A46 from the M40 to Syston and a strategic study for making the A46 an expressway between the M5 and M40. The first stage of this A46 study will be released before the end of 2018, with the second stage examining specific sections for more detailed development of possible improvements.

Upcoming

[edit]
  • Newark Bypass – will upgrade road to dual carriageway. Scheme expected to be completed by 2030.[20]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

A46 road

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The A46 is a major in , designated as a key east-west strategic corridor that extends approximately 250 kilometres (155 miles) from the M5 junction at in to the Humberside ports near in . Originally classified in the as part of the road numbering system, it follows a largely historic alignment that includes sections of the ancient Roman , though it does not form a fully continuous route due to interruptions by motorways and local diversions. The road passes through or near several prominent towns and cities in the Midlands, including , , , , , , and Lincoln, connecting industrial heartlands, agricultural areas, and transport hubs such as and the ports of and the . It supports a substantial regional valued at £115 billion annually—equivalent to about 10% of England's total output—sustaining 5.5 million residents and 2.9 million jobs in sectors like , automotive, and . As a vital link between the M1, M40, and A1 motorways, the A46 facilitates freight movement for road-reliant industries and , but its mixed infrastructure of single and dual carriageways contributes to persistent congestion at hotspots like , , and Newark. Historically developed through piecemeal local upgrades by authorities including (formerly Highways England), the A46 features notable sections such as the Newark Bypass (opened in 1990) and the Eastern Bypass, with ongoing safety and capacity challenges due to its inconsistent standards and environmental constraints like flood zones and areas of outstanding natural beauty. Recent government commitments under the Road Investment Strategy (2020–2025) aim to address these issues through major enhancements, including dualling the route from Lincoln to , junction upgrades at and Tollbar End, and the Newark Northern Bypass, which received development consent in October 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2028; some projects have been delayed into the subsequent Road Investment Strategy period (2025–2030), projected to boost by £7.1 billion over 60 years while supporting housing and job expansion in the region.

Overview

Route summary

The A46 is a major in , extending 183.5 miles (295.3 km) in total length as a primarily north-south route linking the coastal town of in the region to the historic city of Bath in . It commences at the junction with the A180 and A1098 near in and terminates at the junction with the A4 east of Bath in . Originally classified in , the road ran from Bath to Laceby near , providing an early framework for its trans-regional connectivity. A significant portion of the A46 aligns with the ancient Roman , particularly between and Lincoln, where it traces the historic frontier road established by the Romans to demarcate their province's boundaries. This alignment underscores the route's longstanding role in facilitating travel across central , blending modern infrastructure with archaeological significance. The A46 intersects several key motorways, enhancing its function as a vital link in the national road network: it crosses the M1 near , the M6 and M69 near , the M40 near , the M5 near , and the M4 near Bath. These connections integrate the A46 with the UK's primary motorway system, supporting efficient movement between the South West, , and eastern counties.

Significance and usage

The A46 serves as a vital strategic route in , connecting the industrial heartlands of the , including and , to the tourism and agriculture-focused South West, encompassing and . While the full designated route runs northwest-southeast over 295 km, its primary strategic function is as an east-west corridor over approximately 250 km from the M5 near to the ports, providing an essential alternative to the often congested M1 and A45. This linkage supports regional integration by bridging key economic hubs such as , , and Newark, while partially aligning with the ancient Roman for much of its length. Recent developments include the approval of the A46 Newark Northern Bypass in October 2025, aimed at improving capacity and safety. Economically, the A46 corridor underpins significant activity, generating around £115 billion in annual output (as of 2015) and supporting 2.9 million jobs, which represents 8.6% of England's . It enables freight transport from major ports like on the to southwestern distribution networks, enhancing for sectors such as and food production in the Vale of . Additionally, the road bolsters by improving access to attractions like , which draws 2.5 million visitors yearly and contributes £155 million to the local economy, as well as the region. Traffic on the A46 typically sees average annual daily flows (AADF) ranging from 20,000 to 40,000 vehicles, with volumes peaking at up to 60,000 near urban centers like due to commuter and commercial demands. As a designated , it falls under the management of , ensuring maintenance and oversight of this strategic asset within England's road network. The road's safety profile reveals challenges in rural single-carriageway sections, where higher rates occur due to factors like maneuvers and limited , contributing to a disproportionate share of serious incidents compared to urban dual-carriageway portions. These vulnerabilities are being mitigated through ongoing enhancements aimed at improving alignment and junction .

History

Establishment and early development

The A46 road traces its origins to ancient pathways, incorporating sections of the , a major military route constructed between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD that extended from to Lincoln and marked the frontier of Roman control in Britain. These Roman alignments were largely maintained through the medieval period as key overland connections for trade and travel, evolving into local highways that linked rural communities across southwest and central . By the early , rising use prompted targeted improvements to these historic routes, including surface upgrades and minor widenings to accommodate emerging automotive traffic under the oversight of the newly formed Ministry of Transport. In 1923, the A46 was formally designated as part of the road numbering system, established by the Ministry of to standardize and for principal highways, thereby aiding for motorists. The initial route spanned from east of Bath in to Laceby near in , covering approximately 200 miles and passing through key points such as , , Broadway, , , , Newark, and Lincoln. This alignment served as a vital cross-country link connecting the industrial ports of the estuary to the agricultural and manufacturing centers of southwest , strategically bypassing congested urban areas like Birmingham by routing through . At its inception, the A46 was predominantly a single-carriageway road, reflecting the era's standards for non-urban highways, with gravel or macadam surfaces in many segments. Portions of the route incorporated remnants of 18th- and 19th-century turnpike trusts, such as the Boddington to Piffs Elms section, where tolls were collected until their gradual abolition in the late 19th century. Full nationalization of major roads like the A46 occurred under the Trunk Roads Act 1936, transferring responsibility for maintenance and funding to the Ministry of Transport and eliminating any lingering local toll arrangements. The route was later extended northeastward to Cleethorpes in the 1970s to enhance access to the Lincolnshire coast.

Major realignments and extensions

In the 1950s and 1960s, the A46 underwent key integrations with emerging motorway infrastructure to enhance connectivity. The opening of the in 1959 included a short spur from junction 21 near , originally designated A46(M), which provided direct access to the A46 and supported traffic flow into the city from the south. The Laceby bypass, a section, opened on 27 November 1962, extending the A46 northward from its original 1923 terminus at Laceby toward and by incorporating parts of the former A18 route. The 1970s brought substantial changes through motorway developments that reshaped the A46's central alignment. The between and opened fully on 12 July 1977, assuming the role of the primary high-speed link and resulting in the downgrading of the previous A46 path to local B-roads, including the B4114 and B4065, to reduce urban congestion. During the 1980s, efforts concentrated on bypass construction around major settlements. The Lincoln eastern bypass, a 9-mile , opened in December 1985, diverting through traffic from the city center and improving links to the north and south along the corridor. The 1990s saw further extensions and relief routes to address growing traffic volumes. The relief road, a 3.5-mile including elements, opened on 16 October 1990, rerouting the A46 around the town center to bypass bottlenecks at the A1 junction. In the south, the Batheaston/Swainswick , a 3-mile costing £51 million, opened on 11 July 1995, alleviating congestion through Bath's eastern approaches by linking the A4 and A46 more efficiently. Into the 2000s, dualling initiatives filled critical gaps in the route's capacity. The 21-mile section from Lincoln to Newark was fully upgraded to and opened on 11 2003, four months ahead of schedule, to support regional economic links. The £360 million Widmerpool to Newark improvement scheme, dualling the remaining 17-mile stretch, opened in June 2012, creating a continuous high-standard link from the M1 near to the A1 and reducing journey times by up to 10 minutes.

Route

Cleethorpes to A1 (Newark)

The northernmost segment of the A46 commences at Isaac's Hill Roundabout in , , at the junction with the A180 and A1098 roads. From there, the road heads westward along single-carriageway alignment, skirting the southern and western edges of and avoiding the town center via a bypass route that facilitates efficient passage for through traffic. This section connects the Humber ports of and to central , serving as a key corridor for freight and regional travel over approximately 55 miles. Continuing southward, the A46 traverses the scenic , a designated characterized by rolling hills and agricultural landscapes. It passes near the market town of Louth before climbing gently through rural countryside to , where the road remains predominantly single- and dual-lane with limited development amid farmland and woodland. The route then approaches Lincoln from the northeast, utilizing the city's outer system, including the A46 Lincoln Western Bypass, which provides a non-urban alternative around the historic core. As of November 2025, the full Lincoln is being completed by the North Hykeham Relief Road, a linking the Western Bypass to the A15 Eastern Bypass, with construction starting in November 2025. A notable feature is the Riseholme Roundabout, a key junction on the bypass near the village of Riseholme, facilitating access to local roads while maintaining flow for long-distance traffic. South of Lincoln, the A46 proceeds through the village of Welton and enters , transitioning into more undulating terrain with continued agricultural surroundings. The segment culminates at the A1 junction south of , where the Newark Bypass—a single-carriageway section opened in 1990—intersects the A1 and crosses the River Trent via a bridge, linking the northern route to the national network. This endpoint enhances connectivity between the and the region, supporting economic links without entering Newark town center.

A1 (Newark) to M1 (Leicester)

The A46 segment from its junction with the A1 south of to the M1 near covers approximately 35 miles across and , functioning as a vital east-west connector for regional traffic between the A1 trunk road and the . This route supports trade and travel links from the to and beyond, handling significant volumes of freight and commuter vehicles through a mix of rural and increasingly urban landscapes. The road begins at the Farndon roundabout on the A1, immediately entering the Newark Bypass, which diverts traffic around the western and northern edges of while crossing the River Trent via a bridge. This 6.5 km single-carriageway portion, completed in 1990, is the only non-dualled section in the broader corridor and was approved for widening to with two lanes in each direction in October 2025, with construction starting late 2025 and completion expected in 2028 to improve flow and safety. Beyond the Winthorpe roundabout at the bypass's end, the A46 turns southwest, traversing the Vale of Belvoir's undulating farmland and passing close to villages like East Stoke before reaching Bingham, where it meets the A52 trunk road. From Bingham, the route continues as a southward through rural , incorporating the 17.5-mile Newark to Widmerpool improvement scheme opened in April 2012, which provides grade-separated junctions and offline alignments to bypass congestion hotspots and enhance strategic connectivity between the M1 and A1. This dualling effort, spanning about 15 km of new alignment, has reduced journey times by up to 16 minutes during peak hours and cut annual collisions by an estimated 11.6 incidents, while accommodating a 27-51% rise in average weekly traffic. The path then enters , crossing the River Wreake near Ratcliffe on the Wreake—where it briefly aligns with the ancient Roman —and proceeding through . Approaching , the A46 integrates with the city's outer network at Thurmaston, navigating urban fringes amid residential and industrial areas before crossing the River Soar. The segment terminates at M1 junction 21A near Kirby Muxloe, offering seamless motorway access and underscoring its role in alleviating pressure on local roads while promoting economic ties across the .

M1 () to M6 ()

The direct strategic link between the M1 near and the M6 near is provided by the , a 16-mile opened in 1977 that largely follows the historic alignment of the A46 (downgraded to B4114). The A46 itself in this area consists of two separate segments totaling approximately 12 miles. The northern segment is the Leicester Western Bypass, a 7-mile completed in 1995 that begins at M1 Junction 21A near Kirby Muxloe—connected via a short former A46(M) motorway spur—and proceeds clockwise around the city's western suburbs, integrating with the A563 outer distributor road for improved flow. It passes near Kirby Muxloe and crosses the River Soar, facilitating regional connectivity for both passenger and freight traffic amid industrial landscapes. The southern segment is the Coventry Eastern Bypass, a 5-mile opened in 1989 that includes Phoenix Way and provides a northeastern approach to from the M69 and M6. This alignment overlays the ancient Roman from near High Cross towards , preserving a historic corridor originally constructed around AD 47. It serves high volumes of freight linking East and West Midlands industrial hubs, terminating at the M6 Junction 2 (Ansty Interchange) and M69, enhancing access to the motorway network.

M6 (Coventry) to Bath

The A46 southern segment commences at junction 2 of the at the Ansty Interchange near , serving as a key link between the West Midlands and . Heading south, it traverses , passing close to before reaching the outskirts of , where it forms a bypass. The route continues through , a town renowned for its associations with and attracting significant tourism traffic, then proceeds via and in . Further south, it enters , skirting and providing an urban bypass around to avoid congestion in the town center. The road then winds through the scenic Cotswold Hills, passing , before terminating at the A4 in eastern Bath. This approximately 73-mile stretch from the M6 to Bath combines dual and sections, with dualling implemented near during the 1990s to improve capacity and safety for through traffic. The route briefly follows the line of the ancient Roman in the area, reflecting its historical significance as a frontier road. Key features include crossings of the River Avon near and , contributing to its role in regional connectivity and tourism, particularly along the Shakespeare-related corridor. The segment's passage through the offers views of rolling hills and historic villages, though it experiences seasonal peaks in usage due to visitor flows. Near Bath, the A46 incorporates the Batheaston/Swainswick bypass, a 3-mile opened in to relieve pressure on local villages and steep gradients along the former alignment. This bypass includes viaducts and connects to the A4, with approaches to Bath facilitated by links to the A420 for local distribution. The overall path emphasizes efficient transit while integrating with the area's heritage and , supporting both commercial and leisure travel. Note that the A46 Kenilworth Bypass was temporarily closed for HS2 works but reopened in April 2025.

Junctions

Northern segment (Cleethorpes to Leicester)

The northern segment of the A46 road extends approximately 90 miles from its northern terminus in to its junction with the M1 at Junction 21 near , primarily serving as a trunk route through and with a mix of single and dual carriageways. Major junctions along this segment are predominantly roundabouts, with grade-separated interchanges at key rural locations such as Bingham, while urban sections like the Lincoln incorporate traffic signals for local access. The route features dualling from Newark to Widmerpool, completed in 2012, to improve capacity on this strategic link.
Approximate Milepost (from Cleethorpes)Junction LocationConnected RoadsJunction TypeNotes
0A180, A1098RoundaboutNorthern terminus of the A46 near .
3A180RoundaboutLinks to the primary A180 route through town centre.
35Riseholme (north of Lincoln)A15RoundaboutGrade-separated access to the Lincoln Eastern Bypass; multiplex begins with A15 southward.
38LincolnA15, A57Roundabout (Skellingthorpe)End of A15 multiplex; traffic signals on adjacent urban ring road sections for local traffic integration.
55NewarkA1Six-way roundaboutMajor grade-separated interchange crossing the A1; also connects to A17 and A617. The existing interchange is set to be supplemented by the Newark Northern Bypass, approved in October 2025, with completion by 2028.
70BinghamA52Grade-separated linking to the A52 Grantham-Nottingham route.
80A607RoundaboutConnection to the A607 at Hobby Horse Roundabout, providing access toward and ; part of the approach to Leicester.
88M1 Junction 21 (Leicester)M1, A563Grade-separatedSouthern end of the northern segment, integrating with the Leicester Western Bypass.

Central segment (Leicester to Coventry)

The central segment of the A46 provides a vital dual-carriageway link between the and the West Midlands, spanning approximately 26 miles from the outskirts of to the approaches of , facilitating traffic flow between the M1 and M6 motorways while navigating urban and semi-rural landscapes. This section emphasizes major interchanges with motorways and local roads, featuring grade-separated and at-grade junctions designed to handle high volumes of regional traffic, including HGVs and commuter vehicles. The route integrates with the for much of its length, offering alternative paths for long-distance travel. Key junctions along this segment, listed sequentially, include slip road configurations for efficient on- and off-ramps:
  • M1 Junction 21: The A46 commences as the Leicester Western Bypass from a trumpet interchange at M1 J21 near Forest East, with full access via a short (former A46(M)) to J21A. Slip roads provide direct connections for northbound M1 traffic to join the A46 southbound and vice versa, supporting seamless integration for vehicles heading from the M1 towards .
  • Leicester A563 Ring Road Interchange: Located at the Grove Farm Triangle southwest of , this complex signalised junction connects the A46 to the A563 outer and A5460 Thruxton Road. It features multiple roundabouts and traffic lights with dedicated slip roads for the A46, allowing free-flow movement for through traffic while managing local access; the layout includes a grade-separated flyover for the A46 mainline to reduce congestion at peak times.
  • Hinckley A5/Watling Street Roundabout: Near town center, the A46 intersects the historic A5 at a large multi-arm (known as Sketchley Meadows), with complex slip road arrangements including partial via underpasses for the A46 to minimize delays. This junction handles significant local and regional traffic, with dedicated lanes for A46 through traffic and access to via the B4669; it integrates closely with the southern terminus of the M69 at the adjacent A5 junction.
  • Nuneaton A4254 Roundabout: On the eastern outskirts of , the A46 meets the A4254 ( Road) at a standard at-grade with two-lane approaches and slip roads providing full circulatory access. This junction serves local commuter routes and industrial areas, with signage directing A46 traffic towards or Rugby.
  • Bedworth B4112 Junction: Approaching from the north, the A46 connects to the B4112 ( ) via a simple T-junction with slip roads for right-turn access, allowing efficient merging for traffic bound for and eastern suburbs. The configuration prioritizes A46 mainline flow with acceleration lanes to maintain speeds.
  • M6 Junctions 2 and 3 Approaches: The A46 terminates at the M6 near Ansty, with access via J2 (for Coventry east and A46 continuation) featuring a trumpet-style interchange with full slip roads for all movements, integrating directly with the M6 northbound and southbound. Nearby, J3 provides linkage to the M69 for Leicester-bound traffic, forming a tight motorway triangle; the setup includes collector-distributor roads to handle Coventry urban approaches and reduce weaving. Complex roundabouts at the A46/M6 tie-ins manage local traffic from the A4600 and B4082.

Southern segment (Coventry to Bath)

The southern segment of the A46, spanning approximately 85 miles from its junction with the M6 near to its terminus at Bath, connects several historic towns and provides links to major motorways and local routes through the West Midlands and . This section is predominantly from to , with portions further south, and includes junctions that facilitate access to tourist destinations, particularly around . Key junctions are primarily roundabouts or grade-separated interchanges, with some signal-controlled setups at urban edges. The segment begins at the M6 Junction 2 (Ansty Interchange) near , a grade-separated junction where the A46 meets the , allowing free-flowing access for traffic heading south from the . This interchange handles significant volumes as the primary link from the M6 to the southern route. Next is the Kenilworth junction with the A452, a approximately 5 miles south of the M6, providing access to and the A452 to ; it is part of the duelled section and features signalized approaches for local traffic. The A46 then reaches the Warwick junction with the A429 at the Blacklow Roundabout, about 10 miles from the start, a large grade-separated setup near M40 Junction 15 where the road is duelled to six lanes in places, supporting high traffic flows to and southern connections. Further south, the junction with the A3400 at the Oversley Mill Roundabout, roughly 20 miles from , is a duelled roundabout offering access to the town center and tourist sites such as the Royal Shakespeare Theatre; it sees increased seasonal traffic due to visitors. The junction with the B4490 at the Salford Priors Roundabout, around 27 miles south, is a standard duelled serving local rural routes and the town of . At , the A44 junction at the Broadway Roundabout, approximately 35 miles from the M6, is a signalized on the duelled bypass, linking to the A44 towards Worcester and providing relief from town center congestion. The route intersects the M5 at Junction 9 near , about 45 miles south, a grade-separated interchange that connects the A46 to the national motorway network, with duelled approaches handling inter-regional traffic. In , the junction with the A40 and A4019 is a complex braided setup on , around 55 miles from , involving and signals for access to the town and the A40 to . The junction with the A417, roughly 65 miles south, is a linking to the and , with noted congestion during peak hours. The segment ends at the Batheaston junction with the A4 east of Bath, a turn-off-the-side-of-the-road (TOTSO) on the duelled Batheaston , integrated in 1996 to bypass the city center and provide direct access to the A4 towards .

Former routes

Bypasses and realignments

The A46 has undergone several bypasses and realignments to divert traffic from town centers and improve connectivity, primarily between the and . These modifications addressed growing traffic volumes on the original 1923 route by constructing new alignments that avoided urban bottlenecks, often involving dual carriageways and grade-separated junctions. One early example is the Newark-on-Trent Relief Road, a 3.5-mile single carriageway opened in October 1990, which bypassed the town center by linking Farndon Roundabout to Winthorpe Interchange and integrating with the A1. This realignment relieved pressure on the historic high street route, reducing through-traffic in residential areas. Further south, the Leicester Western Bypass, a dual carriageway section of the A46, was constructed under the Bath–Lincoln Trunk Road orders and opened in November 1995, connecting the M1 at Junction 21A to the A563 ring road. It diverted long-distance traffic westward around the city, avoiding the congested A6 and inner urban routes. In the West Midlands, the A46 was realigned in the 1970s to bypass via a southern route incorporating the M6 and A45 connections, with the key Stivichall Interchange completed as part of this network. This shift rerouted traffic from the city's radial roads, such as the A429, which became the inner route. The full and Bypass, extending this alignment, opened in June 1974 as a four-lane from Stoneleigh to Thickthorn, streamlining flow around multiple urban centers. Near , the Northern Bypass opened in June 1987 as the A422, providing a direct link that was integrated into the A46 route north of the town in 1990 and incorporating relief elements developed with the A3400 in the early 1990s. This configuration bypassed the congested A34 through the town center, channeling traffic toward the M40. To the north, the Lincoln Western and Northern Bypass, a 7.3-mile from Hykeham to Riseholme Roundabout, opened in December 1985, linking the A46 to the A15 and avoiding the city center via a western arc. This addressed severe delays on the old A46 alignment through Lincoln's historic core. At the southern end, the Batheaston/Swainswick Bypass, a 3-mile incorporating 1 mile of the A46 and completed in May 1996, enhanced the A46/A4 corridor east of the city by providing a relief alignment that reduced reliance on the congested Road into Bath center. It facilitated better integration with the A36, diverting regional traffic from sensitive heritage areas. These bypasses reduced urban congestion by diverting through-traffic from town centers in affected areas, improving journey reliability and local air quality. For instance, the Lincoln and Newark realignments enabled smoother overtaking and junction flow. Construction often faced challenges, including land acquisition disputes and environmental mitigation. The Leicester Western Bypass required compulsory purchases across greenfield sites, leading to public inquiries under the Highways Act 1980 to resolve landowner objections. Similarly, the Stratford Northern Bypass involved navigating archaeological constraints near the River Avon, with phased acquisitions delaying completion by several years. In Lincoln, the western arc crossed multiple farmland parcels, necessitating compensation schemes for severed fields and integration with existing utilities.

Downgraded sections

Several sections of the original A46 route have been downgraded to B-roads following the construction of bypasses and motorways, allowing the primary traffic to shift to higher-capacity alignments while retaining the older paths for local use. In , the original A46 path through the town center was superseded by the 1990 relief road and redesignated as the B6166. This rerouting diverted through traffic away from residential areas, reducing congestion on the historic route that followed Farndon Road and London Road. Similarly, near , the pre-existing A46 alignment between the city and was downgraded to the B4114 after the opened in 1977, as the new highway provided a faster alternative for long-distance travel. In the Bath area, central sections including Gloucester Road lost their A46 designation in the 1990s with the opening of the Batheaston/Swainswick Bypass in 1996, which overlapped with A4 and A36 routes to streamline access around the city. These downgradings occurred primarily because the original routes were superseded by motorways like the M69 or purpose-built bypasses, which offered greater capacity and safety for inter-urban traffic, thereby reclassifying the older segments as secondary roads under local authority management. The changes preserved essential local access for residents and businesses but stripped the sections of their status, shifting responsibilities and from national to local levels. updates, such as replacing A46 markers with B-road indicators at junctions like Farndon near Newark, helped clarify the new hierarchy and guided drivers to the upgraded alignments.

Improvements

Completed projects

The A46 Widmerpool to Newark dualling scheme, completed in April 2012, converted 17.5 miles (28 km) of into a , replacing substandard sections and grade-separating multiple junctions to enhance regional connectivity between the East and West Midlands. The project, costing approximately £250 million, addressed persistent congestion on this vital , resulting in journey time savings of around 20% and improved reliability for commuters and freight . Post-opening evaluations confirmed that the scheme met its objectives by reducing congestion along the route while boosting economic productivity through faster goods movement. In the southern segment, the Batheaston/Swainswick bypass opened in summer as a 3-mile (4.8 km) dual-carriageway extension, incorporating a 1-mile section of the A46 to divert traffic away from congested urban routes around Bath. Costing £45 million, the bypass included environmental mitigations such as minimized cuttings and earthworks to reduce landscape impact, effectively relieving pressure on local roads and improving access to the southwest. This completion marked a key step in modernizing the A46's southern end, with subsequent assessments noting sustained reductions in urban traffic volumes. Further upgrades to junctions have enhanced capacity and safety. The Riseholme roundabout improvement, finished in November 2020, added an extra lane to each of the four approaches, rebuilt drainage systems, and installed new signage and lighting, increasing throughput on the northern A46 near Lincoln at a cost of £4.2 million. In the , the Lincoln A46-A15 link road, opened on 18 December 1985, provided a 7.3-mile dual-carriageway from Hykeham to Riseholme, streamlining connections to the A15 and bypassing older alignments. The dualling, completed on 17 August 1995, dualled 7.5 miles from to , incorporating the Stratford bypass to separate through-traffic from town centers. Additionally, the Welton/Dunholme replacement, opened in June 2021 for £5.6 million, substituted a hazardous at-grade junction with a three-arm design, improving visibility and flow while excavating 40,000 tonnes of material and adding over two miles of kerbing. These completed projects have delivered measurable safety and economic gains across the A46. Dualling initiatives, such as Newark to Widmerpool, achieved a 30% reduction in accidents on upgraded sections by eliminating risks and enhancing junction designs, aligning with broader objectives to lower collisions. Economically, the improvements support faster freight movement, with the corridor's enhanced reliability contributing to regional growth by reducing delays for between the and eastern ports, as evidenced by post-scheme evaluations showing improved business productivity.

Ongoing and upcoming works

Several major improvement projects on the A46 are currently underway or scheduled for the period through 2030, focusing on enhancing capacity, safety, and resilience as part of ' initiatives. The A46 Newark Bypass scheme received Development Consent Order (DCO) approval from the Secretary of State for on 1 October 2025, enabling the widening of a 6.5 km single-carriageway section to a between the A1 and Farndon. This £686 million project, funded under the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3), aims to reduce congestion on a key trade corridor, improve journey reliability, and support , with construction expected to commence in 2026 and completion targeted for around 2030. Complementing this, the Newark Southern Link Road project saw its latest section from Boundary Road to Hawton open to traffic in August 2025, following delays from an original spring target; the full 5 km route connecting the A1 to the A46 is projected to be complete by autumn 2026, alleviating pressure on local roads. The A46 Stoneleigh Junction upgrade is underway, involving the construction of new northbound entry and southbound exit slip roads, bridge enhancements, and junction improvements to increase capacity between and Stoneleigh. Works, including overnight closures in November 2025 for traffic management installation, are progressing with completion targeted for spring or summer 2027. Further south, the A46 Coventry Junctions Upgrade at Walsgrave has progressed beyond the examination phase, which closed on 12 September 2025. The Examining Authority's recommendation was sent to the Secretary of State on 7 November 2025, with a final decision anticipated by 7 2026. This £112.5 million initiative will transform the existing at-grade junction into a grade-separated design with slip roads and a layout approximately 800 m north, increasing capacity to handle growing traffic volumes and reduce delays in the West Midlands. Construction is slated to begin in late 2026, with completion by late 2028. Safety enhancements near Bath were implemented in February 2025, introducing new speed limits along the A46 between the M4 Junction 18 and Upper Swainswick to address 41 incidents recorded from 2017 to 2021 that resulted in 79 casualties. Specific changes include a 50 mph limit south of M4 J18 to Village, 30 mph through Village, and 40 mph south to Upper Swainswick, enforced by in collaboration with . These measures, part of broader RIS3-funded safety programs, target speed as a factor in over 50% of serious collisions on the network. Minor ongoing works include final surface dressing and maintenance around the Riseholme Roundabout near Lincoln, conducted in to enhance road condition following earlier capacity upgrades. Overall, these RIS3-backed projects are expected to deliver up to 15% improvements in on targeted sections by addressing bottlenecks and enhancing resilience.

Proposed developments

The Midlands Connect partnership has outlined a long-term strategic vision for the A46 corridor, aiming to transform it into a continuous as part of the Trans-Midlands Trade Corridor connecting the M5 to the M40 and onward to ports, with implementation targeted beyond the current Road Investment Strategy periods to support of £7.1 billion over 60 years. This includes upgrades at key congestion hotspots such as , , , and , prioritized in recommendations for the third Road Investment Strategy (RIS3, 2025-2030) and extending into post-2030 phases to accommodate 600,000 new residents, 150,000 jobs, and 250,000 homes by 2041. Recent Development Consent Order approvals, such as for the Newark Bypass in October 2025, serve as precursors to these broader enhancements. Proposals for full dualling between Newark and Leicester form a core element of this vision, completing the dual carriageway link from the A1 to the M1 as part of RIS3 commitments, with construction anticipated post-2025 and potential extensions into the 2030s to address persistent bottlenecks. In the southern segment, Cotswold link improvements between the A46 and A417 emphasize environmental mitigation, including landscape-sensitive designs to minimize impacts on the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with ongoing assessments informing unapproved schemes for enhanced connectivity near Gloucester and Cirencester. Additional conceptual ideas include rural safety enhancements, such as the deployment of average speed cameras along undulating sections following the historic alignment, to reduce collision risks in areas like and , with pilots proposed for rollout from 2026 onward. Integration with HS2 at remains at a conceptual stage, focusing on junction upgrades at Walsgrave to support access and blue-light routes, potentially tied to local plan reviews through 2030. Funding challenges are being addressed through spending reviews, with the 2025 outcome allocating resources positively for Newark upgrades, enabling progression into RIS3, though broader proposals face scrutiny in subsequent reviews. Environmental assessments for areas highlight sensitivities, requiring iterative evaluations to balance , heritage, and traffic flow in rural stretches.

References

  1. https://www.midlandsconnect.uk/media/1533/a46-corridor-study-stage-one-enhanced-strategic-case-final-november-2018.pdf
  2. https://www.midlandsconnect.uk/projects/roads/a46-corridor/
  3. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/a46-coventry-junctions-upgrade/
  4. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/a46-newark-bypass-development-consent-decision-announced
  5. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/east-midlands/a46-newark-bypass/
  6. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/A46
  7. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-46528894
  8. https://www.wessexarch.co.uk/our-work/a46-nottinghamshire
  9. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/bq2nbwpp/r09-south-midlands-route_acc.pdf
  10. https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/media/3sljkgvw/a46-partnership-prospectus.pdf
  11. https://www.midlandsconnect.uk/media/1891/mc-freight-routemap-summary.pdf
  12. https://www.tfwm.org.uk/media/qztpqt3w/11-north-and-south-coventry.pdf
  13. https://roadtraffic.dft.gov.uk/manualcountpoints/46368
  14. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/roads-we-manage/
  15. https://www.rospa.com/siteassets/images/road-safety/road-safety-projects/road-safety-observatory/roads-rural-roads.pdf
  16. https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/gf2.ti/f/1210306/90417733.1/PDF/-/A46_Tormarton__Feedback_Report.pdf
  17. https://www.historyhit.com/roman-roads-a-story-of-romans-and-ways-to-the-past/
  18. https://www.rchs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/2-2-Road-numbering.pdf
  19. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/A46/History
  20. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/A46%28M%29
  21. https://pathetic.org.uk/former/a46m/
  22. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/history/gallery/making-motorway-m69-built-1970s-6561331
  23. https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/coventry-news/gallery/pictures-making-m69-linking-leicester-22999248
  24. https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/1986-02-03/debates/2847fcd5-73e4-4965-a5e8-2f5cdaab510f/A46%28Lincoln-Newark%29
  25. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12717
  26. https://www.roads.org.uk/blog/imperfectly-odd-batheaston-bypass
  27. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/lincolnshire/3054987.stm
  28. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-18444223
  29. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/a46-newark-to-widmerpool-dualling-scheme
  30. https://www.midlandsconnect.uk/media/1526/a46-corridor-study-stage-one-summary-november-2018.pdf
  31. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Cleethorpes/Newark-on-Trent
  32. https://wolds.visitlincolnshire.co.uk/plan/travel-info/
  33. https://www.letstalk.lincolnshire.gov.uk/12244/widgets/34960/documents/18513
  34. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/major-projects/north-hykeham-relief-road
  35. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2025/11/03/balfour-set-to-start-200m-final-stretch-of-lincoln-ring-road/
  36. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly4zjlk48yo
  37. https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Leicester/Newark-on-Trent
  38. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c77fd92e5274a0ec8f21103/POPE_A46_Newark_to_Widmerpool_FYA_Summary.pdf
  39. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/M69
  40. https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-1615347118-1252
  41. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4350619
  42. https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2021-01-11/debates/21011149000066/RedirectingTrafficFromClevelandBridge
  43. https://www.hs2.org.uk/work-items/a46-kenilworth-bypass-box-structure-phases-of-work/
  44. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5c77fdafed915d29df8f9f62/POPE_A46_Newark_to_Widmerpool_FYA_Report.pdf
  45. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/139/a46-riseholme-roundabout-improvements-to-start-early-2020
  46. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/A607
  47. https://www.roads.org.uk/motorway/m69
  48. https://www.roads.org.uk/badjunctions/563-5460
  49. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/Grove_Farm_Triangle
  50. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iv2wo9Pbluk
  51. https://www.midlandsconnect.uk/media/1756/mc-a46-corridor-study-phase-2-final-report-march-2021-with-appendix.pdf
  52. https://www.roads.org.uk/motorway/m6/650
  53. https://www.roads.org.uk/badjunctions/40-46-429
  54. https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/joint-ventures/a46-partnership/
  55. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/Stivichall_Interchange
  56. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/Network_changes_-_1980s
  57. https://trid.trb.org/View/578074
  58. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/B6166
  59. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=43233
  60. https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/Farndon_Roundabout
  61. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7ea869ed915d74e33f1987/POPE___A46_Newark_to_Widmerpool___OYA____Report___Final.pdf
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  63. https://wiki.aaroads.com/wiki/A46_%28Great_Britain%29
  64. https://www.issmge.org/uploads/publications/6/8/1996_020.pdf
  65. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/459/a46-riseholme-roundabout-improvements-now-complete
  66. https://www.conservativelincs.org.uk/2020/10/24/riseholme-roundabout-a46-upgrade-works-cllr-chris-reid/
  67. https://www.minstergroupltd.com/case-study/a46-dunholme-welton-roundabout/
  68. https://www.lincolnshireworld.com/news/people/good-progress-in-a46-roundabout-project-3164326
  69. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/media/2k0f3ya4/interim-period-delivery-plan-2025-26.pdf
  70. https://www.geplus.co.uk/news/national-highways-686m-newark-bypass-scheme-green-lit-03-10-2025/
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  73. https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/a46stoneleighjunction
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  75. https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR010066
  76. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/press/national-highways-unveils-measures-to-improve-a46-safety-near-bath/
  77. https://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/news/article/1937/night-works-surface-dressing-around-lincoln
  78. https://www.midlandsconnect.uk/media/opmfc4f5/accessibility-checked-keeping-the-midlands-moving-our-ris-3-recommendations.pdf
  79. https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-west/a417-missing-link/
  80. https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gcc-news/news-march-2025/new-measures-announced-to-reduce-fatalities-on-county-roads/
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  82. https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/latest-news/2025/august/statement-on-the-a46-newark-bypass-spending-review/
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