A multi-million-pound plan to relieve congestion and improve safety along the A46 in Newark has received formal approval.

Transport Minister Lord Hendy, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, has granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the project, giving the green light for construction to move forward on one of the East Midlands’ most important trade corridors.

The scheme will upgrade a section of single carriageway on the A46, used by an average of 17,000 drivers each day, and which forms part of the trans-Midlands route linking to the Humber Ports.

As well as easing traffic around Newark, the project aims to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. It will also contribute to regional growth by supporting 7,500 new homes, improving access to Newark Business Park and Newark Gateway, and strengthening trade connections including to the International Air and Space Training Institute (IASTI).

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The Planning Inspectorate has carried out a detailed assessment of the scheme, leading to today's approval.

National Highways Project Manager Izzy Tully said: "We are delighted with today’s announcement which is a major milestone on the project to improve the A46 around Newark for the many thousands of people who use the route each day.

"The A46 is an important route, supporting trade and the wider economy, and our upgrade will reduce delays by delivering much-needed additional capacity to the road and its junctions, as well as better connectivity and safer journeys for everyone.

"We look forward to now being able to take the project forward."

The upgrade will involve:

• Widening four miles of existing single carriageway to dual carriageway, creating two lanes in each direction between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts.

• Building a flyover at Cattle Market roundabout for the A46 to pass over the junction.

• Constructing a new bridge over the A1.

• Enlarging Winthorpe roundabout and installing traffic lights to connect the new A46 link.

There is now a six-week period in which parties can lodge any legal challenge to the decision.

In the months ahead, National Highways will work with the Department for Transport to identify the most efficient and cost-effective delivery timetable for the scheme, with an update expected next year.