Rishi has criticised the continuing lack of clarity over when work will finally start on the upgrading of the A66 in North Yorkshire.
The MP said there have been reports that the improvements at Scotch Corner and near Ravensworth have been paused, potentially for two years.
The Government announced earlier this year that the £1.5bn scheme to dual the remaining single-carriage stretches of the road between Penrith and North Yorkshire would go ahead. That followed a two-year pause announced after the General Election in 2024.
While the Government has announced that work will start this year at the Penrith end of the A66, it has not said when work will start on the eastern sections.
Rishi said the lack of clarity was “unacceptable”.
“I have been seeking certainty for residents in Ravensworth, the Laytons and Newsham since last May, when the Government announced it would proceed with the scheme which was shovel-ready in 2024.
“Since then, there have been suggestions that the works schedule would be published in July – this did not happen and has still not happened. The uncertainty this has left residents with is unacceptable and I am deeply concerned about reports that the Ravensworth and Scotch Corner upgrades might not get underway for two years.”
Rishi said residents had been waiting too long to find out when their daily nightmare of having to use the road would end and when they can expect an end to traffic using their communities to avoid congestion.
“These communities deserve to know”, he added.
“The dualling of the Stephen Bank section north of Ravensworth is vital to improve safety and cut congestion, particularly at peaks times when these villages are used as alternative routes by motorists frustrated by the jams on the single carriageway A66.”
Local North Yorkshire Councillor Angus Thompson said he shared Mr Sunak’s frustration and supported his call for clear information from the Government and National Highways about the timetable for the works.
“The lack of information and what we have heard unofficially is not good and only serves to make people wonder if the North Yorkshire upgrades might, ultimately, be delayed indefinitely.”
Picture: National Highways
