A consultation has opened on changes to parts of National Highways plans for the A66 upgrade after National Highways submitted an application to the Secretary of State for Transport requesting a series of non-material changes to the planned A66 Northern Trans-Pennine upgrade project.
The original Development Consent Order (DCO) was granted in March 2024, authorising the £1bn upgrade to dual the remaining single-carriageway sections of the A66 between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner. But the government spending review threw the future of the project into question once again with the final financial decision to be made by the department for transport in early 2026.
As part of the statutory process, National Highways has now requested eight proposed amendments classed as “non-material” amendments mainly detailed design refinements, safety improvements, and reductions in land requirements.
The Eight Proposed Changes
1. Cross Street, Kirkby Thore
The Cross Street overbridge and approaches would be realigned to encourage slower vehicle speeds near Kirkby Thore School. The change also reduces third-party land requirements following consultation with Westmorland and Furness Council.
2. Green Lane
The existing route of Green Lane would be retained, with the new overbridge built on the current alignment—avoiding the severing of an agricultural field and reducing land take.
3. Long Marton Road
A redesigned Long Marton Road alignment would shorten the proposed bridge span, adjust the underpass, lower the speed limit over the structure, and reduce land requirements.
4. Kirkby Thore Access Track
An approved access track between the realigned Cross Street and Green Lane would be removed. In its place, a new public right of way is proposed along the southern embankment of the new A66.
5. Spital Farm Side Road
The B6542 side road and underpass would move up to eight metres closer to the A66. National Highways says this reduces earthworks and the amount of third-party land needed.
6. Kemplay Bank
A section of the new A66 at Kemplay Bank would shift 2.5 metres north to comply with design standards.
7. B6262 – Public Rights of Way and Private Access
A section of combined private access and cycle track near the former Llama Karma Kafe, Countess Pillar and the B6262 would be realigned. A continuous cycle track is also proposed along the entire route—replacing the currently authorised footpath to the Countess Pillar.
8. Powis House Access
The new footpath and private access to Powis House would move approximately 20 metres northwest, due to the shortening of the Trout Beck viaduct at the detailed design stage.
Before the Secretary of State can make a decision on the Non-Material Change
Application, National Highways must consult on the proposed changes, Anyone wishing to comment on the Non-Material Change Application has until 19 January 2026 at 23:59 to submit a representation.
All application documents are available on the Planning Inspectorate’s website https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR010062/documents
Once the consultation is concluded, the application and the representations received will be assessed before the Secretary of State for Transport makes a decision on the application.
If you would like to discuss the Proposed Changes or require further information, then please contact National Highways by emailing: a66NTP@nationalhighways.co.uk or by calling 0300 123 5000.
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