Newark Roundabout

Two police cars escorting an abnormal load on the roundabout from the A8 east bound

Newark Roundabout lies at the east side of Port Glasgow town centre on the banks of the River Clyde. It takes its name from the medieval Newark Castle which lies a little to the north east, on the river bank, next to the only remaining shipbuilding yard on this stretch of the River.

The roundabout is where the A761 starts, heading south under the railway and then climbing steeply up into the hills above the town. Running east-west through the junction is the dual carriageway A8, although there is no room to Grade separate the junction. The A8 is the main road from Glasgow into the coastal towns of Inverclyde, taking over from the M8 a few miles to the east.

The A761 is also dualled for the short distance under the railway, where it meets Blackstone Roundabout, but this is the former line of the A8, which then turned to run parallel to the tracks along the now unclassified Glasgow Road. The A761 also started at Blackstone Roundabout until Newark Roundabout was opened. The current line of the A8 is partially a causeway along the shore, before it crosses the railway at the Woodhall Roundabout to rejoin its old route.

Depending on the exit taken, drivers have a choice of three different speed limits; 30mph on Castle Road and the A761, 40mph on the A8 west bound and the national speed limit on the A8 east bound.

Routes

Route	To	Notes
A8	Greenock, Town Centre, Gibshill
A8	Glasgow, Langbank, Bishopton, Paisley, (M8), Erskine Bridge (M898)
A761	Kilmacolm, Boglestone, Industrial Estate	former A8 (under railway)
	Newark Castle