Overview

• The dualling scheme was paused after last summer’s spending review and survived a Transport Action Network legal challenge in January before securing final sign-off in early July.
• It will deliver a continuous dual carriageway across Cumbria, County Durham and North Yorkshire, reducing journey times by up to 12 minutes on the freight-intensive A66.
• Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the upgrade is part of a £92 billion transport investment package designed to stimulate economic growth and enable the construction of 1.5 million new homes.
• The Government also confirmed funding for a new link road between Chapels and Grizebeck on the A595, including a junction upgrade at the A595/A5092.
• Local MPs including Tim Farron and Rishi Sunak, along with regional mayors, hailed the move as vital for reducing congestion, improving safety and strengthening northern supply chains.