Rishi has welcomed the Government's decision to go-ahead with the upgrading of the A66 and the success of his long-running campaign.
He said: "I am pleased the Government has said this vital strategic road improvement will proceed as planned.
"The dualling of the A66 is important for North Yorkshire, the North of England and, indeed, the whole UK.
"There is a huge benefit to business and the regional and national economy delivered by shorter journey times but, more importantly, greater journey reliability.
"The existing road is prone to significant closures because of accidents and because of the lack of obvious diversionary routes major delays are a regular feature.
"It also has a poor safety record with a higher proportion of serious and fatal accidents than typical A roads. The dualling of the remaining single carriageway stretch - like the section at Ravensworth and the Laytons, will make the road safer, not just for those on long journeys to the North of England's great ports and the Lake District but local residents for whom the A66 is part of their daily journeys to work or school."
Rishi met local campaigners he worked with at Ravensworth to celebrate the announcement, including Ken Bell, of the A66 Action Group, said: "It's been a long journey but we thank Rishi for his constant support to help make this happen."
Rishi thanked fellow MP Tim Farron, whose Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency is at the western end of the A66, for working with him to press the new Government to end the delay to the project.
He said: “Tim and I were as one on the need for the A66 project to go-ahead as planned,”
When in government as Chancellor, Rishi worked to speed up key infrastructure projects such as the A66. Having cleared all planning and legal obstacles, work was due to start last year but the project was paused by the incoming Government.
He has campaigned for safety improvements to the road, particularly the junction at Ravensworth, near Richmond, which has been the site of a number of fatalities in the past.
Working with the A66 Action Group, he helped secure a series of junction improvements, including realignment and additional signage.
