'Vital' A66 dual carriageway plans approved

A busy Northern transport artery is set for major upgrades.

The Government has today (Tuesday, July 8) confirmed a blueprint to dual the A66 between the M6 at Penrith, in Cumbria, and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner, near Darlington.

It says the work will “connect millions across the North” and slash journey times by up to 12 minutes.

The Government has also approved plans for a new rail station at Haxby, near York, which it says will boost transport links for 20,000 people and increase connectivity to the Minster city and Leeds.

Highlighting the potential of its planned road revamp – known as the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project – ministers say it will “increase capacity and improve journey times and connectivity from Yorkshire and the Humber to the M6 and Penrith, Carlisle and the Lake District”.

They add it will also “significantly improve” freight connections.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are putting taxpayers’ money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.  

“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.”

She added further cash will be spent on a number of Yorkshire road projects.

They include the A164/Jock’s Lodge Junction Improvement Scheme, near Beverley, East Yorkshire, where junction work will be complemented by a new roundabout.

Junction remodelling and structural renewal works are also planned for Stanningley Bypass, on the outskirts of Leeds, with sections of the A1237 York Outer Ring Road also set to be dualled amid plans to reduce congestion.

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