Millions of commuters and businesses across the North East and Cumbria are set to benefit from quicker journeys, as A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, is given the green light, the Government has announced today (8th July).
the announcement comes after the projects future was thrown into question as the new labour government came to power in July 2024 and placed a hold on all major projects and began a spending review. The A66 upgrade project has seen costs spiralled but as the Labour government marks its first year in office the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced the green light to the funding of the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine upgrade.
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 taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.”
“With over £92 billion 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.”
Completing dualling of the A66 will increase capacity, improving journey times and connectivity from the North East to the M6 and Penrith, Carlisle and the Lake District and improving access along the route for towns and villages such as Bowes and Barnard Castle.
A vital regional, national and international economic route, the upgrades will provide faster connections from the North East and Cumbria to Northern Ireland and to ports like Stranraer, and also provide a boost to tourism by improving connections for holiday makers to the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District.
The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project will create a continuous dual carriageway between the M6 at Penrith and A1(M) at Scotch Corner, significantly improving reliability and shaving up to 12 minutes off journeys.
Freight connections will be significantly improved, as 25% 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.
Speaking on the announcement Markus Campbell-Savours, MP for Penrith and Solway, said: “I have campaigned hard for the A66 Northern Trans Pennine scheme to get the go ahead. It’s great news in terms of both safety and improving the economy in the north of England.”
“This is a vital project that has quite rightly survived the spending review. I look forward to seeing the much-needed junction improvements which will make a massive difference for residents and businesses in and around Penrith.”
John Foster, Chief Policy and Campaigns Officer, CBI said: “Improving transport connectivity is key to unlocking the productivity gains needed to deliver sustainable growth across the country. When businesses can move people, goods, and services more efficiently, it helps them to reach new markets faster and attract the talent they need to grow. Today’s announcement is a welcome step forward and builds on a strong series of planning reforms aimed at delivering the long-term infrastructure the UK economy needs.”
Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, Councillor Jonathan Brook, welcomed the announcement.
He said: “Westmorland and Furness Council welcomes the Government announcement of funding for the A66 Northern Trans Pennine project, which will provide a continuous dual carriageway between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner.
“We have been working closely with National Highways and its contractors to support the design and development of the National Highways project and are looking forward to seeing a start on building the road.
“This vital piece of infrastructure will bring benefits to the area, facilitating growth, improving connectivity and increasing resilience, reliability and capacity on the national road network between Cumbria and the North-East.”
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, commented: “This nationally significant infrastructure project will deliver help to resolve traffic congestion, particularly around Penrith, improve journey times, reliability and save lives by upgrading the single carriageway parts of the A66.
“The council will continue to play an active part in the project by supporting National Highways in the delivery of this scheme.’’
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