The Department of Transport has confirmed that it will push forward with £1 billion plans to complete the upgrade of the A66 trans-Pennine road.

The A66 connects Milddesbrough and the A1 in the east to Workington and the M6 in the west, via Scotch Corner, Brough, Appleby, Kirkby Temple, Sowerby and Penrith.

In response to the announcement Malcolm Bingham, Head of Compliance Information at FTA, commented: “After more than 30 years of campaigning, FTA and its members are thrilled the government has announced it will move forward with dualling the remaining sections of the A66. Our members rely on efficient road networks to keep goods moving across the UK, but this vital stretch of road has long been plagued with reliability and safety issues, due to constant closures and accidents. Once complete, the upgrade will unlock new opportunities for economic growth across the country, due to the road’s strategic importance.

“FTA looks forward to the next stage of the project and providing feedback on the government’s more detailed plans at the second public consultation in 2021.”

Freight Transport Association

About the Author: John Loughran