A NEW £500,000 strategic study commissioned by the Department of Transport will examine the case for further improvements to the A66 between the A1(M) and the M6 in Cumbria.

While much of the route has been converted into dual carriageway at the North Yorkshire/County Durham end, a 3.8km stretch of single carriageway still remains between Scotch Corner and Greta Bridge near East Layton.

The study will also look at the A69 between Hexham and Carlisle.

WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff, which has been awarded a £500,000 contract, has been appointed by Highways England and will lead a joint venture of companies, including Halcrow, TRL and Steer Davies Gleave.

In 1997 The Northern Echo launched its ‘Fix the A66’ campaign after a series of fatalities on the route.

Ten years later two dualling schemes were finally completed from Scotch Corner to Carkin Moor and Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank along with the creation of a new bypass at Temple Sowerby in Cumbria.

Road Minister Andrew Jones said the investment was part of the Government’s much heralded ‘Northern Powerhouse’ plan with the long term aim to enable more people to feel the benefits of economic growth.

Nigel Edwards, divisional director of strategic planning at Highways England, said: “These two studies could lead to major benefits across the North and I’m pleased we’ve now reached the stage where we can appoint specialist companies to start this process.”

Jonathan Walker, head of policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “If the region is to play a meaningful role in the Northern Powerhouse then improving our connectivity to the North West is vital. This announcement is therefore hugely welcome.”

The studies will be completed by the end of next year.