The long-awaited A66 Northern Trans-Pennine upgrade between Penrith and Scotch Corner will now be delivered over nine years instead of the five originally planned, the government has confirmed in today's Budget.
Chancellor John Healey's announcement on Wednesday (28 October) gave the go-ahead for main construction work to begin in November, but revealed a longer timetable for completing the major road scheme.
The Budget states: "Giving the green light for main construction works to begin on the A66 next month, delivering a continuous 50-mile dual carriageway between the M6 and A1(M), strengthening connectivity between the North-East and Cumbria."
The project will upgrade the remaining single-carriageway sections of the route between the M6 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner, creating a continuous dual carriageway.
The plans include major changes around Penrith, with Kemplay Bank roundabout to be replaced by a new junction allowing A66 traffic to pass beneath the A6, alongside improvements to the M6 Junction 40 interchange.
The scheme was originally intended to be delivered over five years, but the revised nine-year programme will see construction carried out in phases along the route, with the overall project potentially continuing into 2035.
The A66 was specifically identified among the transport projects being progressed by the government, with the Budget confirming that construction will begin next month.
No individual completion dates have been provided for the different sections of the route, including the planned improvements at Kemplay Bank and Junction 40.
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