
Funding for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route has been confirmed by the Government.
The announcement means work will progress on dualling the remainder of the key route to increase capacity, improving journey times and boost safety.
The work will mean a continuous dual carriageway between the M6 at Penrith and A1(M) at Scotch Corner, shaving up to 12 minutes off journeys.
The scheme was announced by the previous government, but its future was cast into doubt amid a review of major infrastructure projects when Labour took power after the last election.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.
“With over £92bn investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
The announcement has been welcomed by Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak.
He said: “I am pleased the Government has said this vital strategic road improvement can go ahead.
“The dualling of the A66 is important for North Yorkshire, the North of England and, indeed, the whole UK.
“There is a huge benefit to business and the regional and national economy delivered by shorter journey times but, more importantly, greater journey reliability.
“The existing road is prone to significant closures because of accidents and because of the lack of obvious diversionary routes major delays are a regular feature.
“It also has a poor safety record with a higher proportion of serious and fatal accidents than typical A roads. The dualling of the remaining single carriageway stretch – like the section at Ravensworth and the Laytons, will make the road safer, not just for those on long journeys to the North of England’s great ports and the Lake District but local residents for whom the A66 is part of their daily journeys to work or school.”
Mr Sunak thanked fellow MP Tim Farron, whose Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency is at the western end of the A66, for working with him to press the new Government to end the delay to the project.
Officials say freight connections will be significantly improved by the work, as 25 per cent of the current traffic on the road is made up of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), more than twice the national average for a road of this kind.
The announcement comes as the Government gave the green light to more than 50 road and rail upgrades across the country, as part of the £92bn of transport investment in the Spending Review.
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