As National Highways and communities along the A66 between Penrith and Scotch corner await the government decision on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project financial future in the government spending review that will decide if the A66 is upgraded or not.
Nationally Highways are continuing with preparation works as the next phase of archaeological investigation gets underway.
Archaeologists are back in the field as the next phase of investigations begins along the A66.
Following last year’s exciting discoveries, which uncovered evidence of human activity dating back 14,000 years, the latest work will focus on areas near Brougham, Brough, Kirkby Thore, and Crackenthorpe.
The first phase of excavations revealed insights into prehistoric and Roman life, including how ancient communities adapted to climate changes over thousands of years.
Now, archaeologists are using field walking techniques, a non-invasive method of searching for artefacts along with more traditional forms of archaeology, to help uncover even more about Cumbria’s past.
With the A66 following an ancient route used for trade and cultural exchange, each new discovery helps us understand how this landscape has evolved.
Stewart Jones, National Highways A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project Director, said:
“We are excited about the findings from the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project, as they provide a unique window into the ancient history of Cumbria.
"These discoveries will contribute significantly to our understanding of how people in the past adapted to changing environmental conditions, and we look forward to further insights as the project progresses.”
Oxford Cotswold Archaeology who are carrying out the Archaeological surveys along the A66 said: "So far we've found evidence stretching back to the Neolithic period, essentially the first farmers of Cumbria.”
“Clearly, the area around Penrith where we are currently working was once part of a very extensive trade network that stretched to intercontinental Europe.”
A public engagement programme will also launch soon, offering local communities a chance to explore these findings first hand.
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