New £100 million Southern Link Road opens in Newark, easing congestion and supporting future growth

The Southern Link Road, known as Middlebeck Way, will improve traffic flow, reduce congestion in and around the town and support the long‑term growth of Newark and Sherwood.

The 5km single‑carriageway road has been delivered ahead of schedule and within budget through a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. The project has been led by master developer Urban&Civic, working closely with Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, National Highways and other key partners.

As well as improving journey times and reliability, the new road unlocks land to the south of the town, supporting the delivery of up to 3,150 new homes at Middlebeck, alongside employment opportunities and supporting infrastructure.

The road has been constructed in stages by Breheny Civil Engineering and ECL Civil Engineering and includes new footpaths and drainage ponds, which enhance biodiversity and support sustainable water management across the area.

Funding for the £100 million project includes a £65 million investment from Urban&Civic, £20 million from the UK Government, alongside significant contributions from Newark and Sherwood District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and local public partners.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said:

“The opening of this new road is great news for the whole district. It will help ease dreaded congestion and allow much-needed homes and employment opportunities to be delivered.

“It is a real testament to partnership working, spearheaded by the District Council, that we have managed to open this road months ahead of schedule and within budget.” 

Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, Councillor Mick Barton, added:

“The Southern Link Road demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership working. By bringing together public and private investment, we’ve been able to support a scheme that delivers real transport improvements while unlocking wider regeneration, housing growth and economic opportunities for Newark and the county.”

The Southern Link Road also connects closely with wider transport improvements in the area, strengthening Newark’s links with the national road network and supporting future development plans.