The existing route, between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner, is currently intermittently dualled with approximately 18km of single carriageway, within six separate sections.
The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project comprises upgrades to the existing single carriageway sections of the road to dual carriageway as well as junction improvements and minor improvements to the existing dual carriageway sections.
As a key strategic road link between the M6 and the A1 for businesses in Cumbria and North Yorkshire, the Road Haulage Association has welcomed the investment and ”looks forward to seeing a clear timetable for construction in due course”.
RHA Policy Lead, James Barwise, said: “HGVs account for a quarter of all traffic on this stretch of the A66 and any delays to journeys can have a negative effect on businesses, including lost working time and missed shipment slots. This welcome investment in the A66 is not only a vote of confidence in our road network, but in the UK’s road haulage sector too."
He added: “We’re looking forward to working with National Highways in the weeks and months ahead to ensure that disruption from construction works to local business is kept to a minimum. We will continue to explore further ways in which the scheme can support the needs of the industry including plans for sufficient truck parking and rest areas to meet the needs of professional drivers.”