Rishi has welcomed the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision to approve the development consent order for the upgrading of the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine road to dual carriageway from Scotch Corner to Penrith.
The MP said: “This is a vital road scheme for a key element of the nation’s infrastructure and particularly for the North of England economy.
“The remaining single carriageway sections of this strategically-important road have contributed to extensive delays and closure over the years as traffic volumes have increased. Dualling will improve the reliability of the road, lead to better journey times and, most importantly, improved safety.
“The Ravensworth junction of the A66 has been the scene of a number of fatal and serious injury accidents in the past. Working with the parish council and the A66 Action Group, we secured changes to the junction which improved matters but dualling is the best solution and I am delighted that the scheme is going ahead.
“I look forward to work beginning later this year.”
