A CONSULTATION is being launched today on proposals to make the entire length of the A66 between Scotch Corner and Penrith a dual carriageway. 

The £1bn project will see the remaining single carriageway sections of the busy trans Pennine route upgraded and improvements made at a number of key junctions.

There are still more than 18 miles of single carriageway on the route, making it accident-prone and unreliable. 

Read more: MP raises villagers' A66 concerns with highways chiefs

The project will aim to improve dangerous sections of the road in North Yorkshire and County Durham, as well as Cumbria. 

National Highways chief executive Nick Harris said: “We look forward to hearing people’s thoughts on our vision to bring far-reaching benefits to those who use and live near the route. 

"By creating better links we can unlock access to tourism, jobs, essential services and new opportunities.” 

Among the sections to be upgraded include Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor, from Cross Lanes to Rokeby, around Bowes in County Durham, from Appleby to Brough in Cumbria, from Temple Sowerby to Appleby and from Penrith to Temple Sowerby. 

The consultation is being launched today at the former Llama Karma Kafe, near Penrith.

Baroness Vere, minister for roads, buses and places, is attending the event.

She said: "Upgrading the A66 is a project at the heart of our plans to build back better and level up the North by improving infrastructure and boosting connections across the region. 

“Whether you’re commuting, visiting the area on holiday, or transporting freight, this upgrade will bring huge benefits to the area by cutting congestion and speeding up journey times.  

“This consultation is a great opportunity for people and businesses to help shape the future of this project so it works for everyone.” 

The statutory consultation period has been extended from four weeks to six to give people every opportunity to express their views. 

It runs until 11.59pm on Saturday, November 6 and will help the Government-owned company put together its application for a Development Consent Order which, if successful, would pave the way for the scheme to go ahead. 

Peter Molyneux, Major Roads Director at Transport for the North, said:  “The A66 Trans-Pennine route is an incredibly important east-west route for the northern part of our region and a crucial part of building a New North, yet too often those using it face delays and congestion. 

“Once finished, the full dualling of the A66 will have significant benefits for its many thousands of users. 

“We’re pleased to see this project progressing at pace, and continue to work with National Highways and our local Members and partners to help ensure our region benefits from reliable roads as part of a sustainable, multimodal transport network.” 

A number of events are being held for people to find out about the plans and further details are available at highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/a66-northern-trans-pennine/about-the-project/

All the consultation materials, including the brochure, are available on the dedicated project webpage. 

Hard copies will also be provided for viewing in public buildings along the A66, such as local libraries.

There will be drop-in sessions where members of the public can speak to a member of the team, as well as webinars, a telephone surgery and an online virtual consultation room. 

For more information visit the website, email A66NTP@highwaysengland.co.uk, or call 0333 090 1192.

Phone lines are open between Monday and Friday, 9am to 5pm, or you can leave a message and the team will return your call. 

 

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