Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has demanded answers over fears that major improvements to the A66 in North Yorkshire could be delayed by another two years.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP has criticised the continuing uncertainty surrounding the £1.5bn project to dual the remaining single-carriageway sections of the route between Penrith and North Yorkshire.
He said reports that work at Scotch Corner and near Ravensworth could be put on hold for two years had left communities worried about when long-promised improvements would finally begin.
The Government confirmed earlier this year that the scheme would proceed following a two-year pause announced after the 2024 General Election.
However, while work is expected to begin at the Penrith end of the route this year, no timetable has been announced for the eastern sections in North Yorkshire.
Mr Sunak described the lack of clarity as “unacceptable”.
“I have been seeking certainty for residents in Ravensworth, the Laytons and Newsham since last May, when the Government announced it would proceed with the scheme which was shovel-ready in 2024,” he said.
“Since then, there have been suggestions that the works schedule would be published in July – this did not happen and has still not happened.
“The uncertainty this has left residents with is unacceptable and I am deeply concerned about reports that the Ravensworth and Scotch Corner upgrades might not get underway for two years.”#
The MP said residents had been waiting too long for improvements to a road that causes congestion and traffic problems for surrounding villages.
He highlighted the Stephen Bank section north of Ravensworth, where drivers frequently use local roads to avoid queues on the A66.
“These communities deserve to know,” he said.
“The dualling of the Stephen Bank section north of Ravensworth is vital to improve safety and cut congestion, particularly at peak times when these villages are used as alternative routes by motorists frustrated by the jams on the single-carriageway A66.”
Local North Yorkshire councillor Angus Thompson said he shared Mr Sunak’s frustration and backed calls for the Government and National Highways to provide a clear timetable.
“The lack of information and what we have heard unofficially is not good and only serves to make people wonder if the North Yorkshire upgrades might, ultimately, be delayed indefinitely,” he said.
The concerns come despite the Government’s earlier commitment to proceed with the scheme, which is intended to improve safety, journey times and connections across the Pennines.
There has been no official confirmation in the information provided that the Scotch Corner or Ravensworth sections have been delayed by two years.
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