A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project go ahead

The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport.

The project comprises the improvement of the A66 between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner. The existing route is 80km in length and intermittently dualled with approximately 30km of single carriageway, within six separate sections. The scheme comprises upgrades to the existing single carriageway sections of the road to dual carriageway. The scheme also includes junction improvements, minor improvements to the existing dual carriageway sections of the A66. On completion, the project will result in an 80km route with two lanes in both directions. This will improve journey time, safety and connectivity.

This is the 133rd Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project and 50th transport application to have been examined by The Planning Inspectorate within the timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008.

The Planning Inspectorate has now examined more than 100 Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects since the Planning Act 2008 process was introduced, ensuring local communities have had the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them.

Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other Interested Parties were able to participate in this six-month Examination.

Responding to the news Martin Tugwell, Transport for the North’s Chief Executive said: “This is very welcome news that the people and businesses across Cumbria, Durham, North Yorkshire and the Tees Valley have been calling for over many years.  TfN set out the strategic importance of this scheme at its Inquiry and it is good news to see the Secretary of State confirm the Order.

“Duelling the A66 will deliver vital improvements to east-west connectivity in the North. It will remove bottlenecks along this key corridor, make the road safer and more reliable for everyone who uses it, including the high percentage of freight using the route, and connect our towns and cities to Scotland.

“It will be one of the biggest investments in the North’s road network for a generation and we look forward to continuing to work with National Highways as they deliver this very important piece of national infrastructure.”