About the project
The A66 is a key local, regional and national route for east/west journeys in the north of England providing vital connections for freight, tourism and businesses across the UK.
Legal challenge received
Following the Development Consent Order (DCO) approval in March, there was a legal challenge period which concluded on 18 April 2024. This period allowed for any challenges to be made by interested parties to the Secretary of State’s decision.
There has been a legal challenge against the decision.
We have been designing and developing the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, and we will continue to carry out archaeological investigations and preparatory works including utilities diversions during 2024.
At this stage it is too early to say how much of an impact the legal challenge will have on our programme and start of works.
We are disappointed about the legal challenge as we believe our proposals will provide much needed improved safety and reliability for drivers and businesses that use this vitally important route every day, while also delivering a boost to the regional economy.
Development Consent Order approved
On Thursday 7 March 2024, the Secretary of State for Transport approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project.
This means we now have planning permission to dual 18 miles of single carriageway between Penrith and Scotch Corner.
We are continuing to develop our plans, with archaeological work and preparatory utilities diversions currently taking place along the A66.
Once the DCO decision challenge period has concluded, we will be in a position to provide an update on when construction work will start.
You can find out more about the Secretary of State’s decision on the Planning Inspectorate's website.
National Gas Transmission work
On the section between Penrith and Temple Sowerby, one of the biggest construction challenges is the diversion of two National Gas Transmission gas mains. We're working with them to ensure the diversion can be completed using their statutory powers and at the earliest opportunity. Our work will involve the supporting construction of four site access points.
The work has started with the installation of safety barriers and widening field access near Center Parcs. There will be some overnight traffic lights and thank you for your patience.
Updated map books
Please see links below to our latest maps of the individual schemes.
These maps are provided to update landowners and other stakeholders on our latest design as we progress towards our Development Consent Order (DCO) submission in spring 2022.
M6 junction 40 to Kemplay Bank
A1(M) junction 53 Scotch Corner
The route
The A66 plays an essential role for journeys across the north of England and provides the most direct route between the central belt of Scotland and the eastern side of England. The route connects cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh with Leeds, Sheffield and Norwich.
It’s a critical route for freight, providing links to a number of international ports like Stranraer, Hull and Felixstowe and connects holiday makers to their destination, whether that be in the Yorkshire Dales or Lake District.
The A66 plays an important role in the life of nearby communities, connecting people to jobs, education, health and other essential services.
But sections of the road aren’t up to modern standards. It repeatedly widens and narrows, making it prone to congestion and delay.
The route carries high levels of freight, with 25% of the traffic being heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), more than twice the national average for a road of this nature.
We’re proposing to deliver one billion pounds worth of investment to dual the remaining single carriageway sections along the 50 mile stretch of the A66 between Cumbria and North Yorkshire.
This is one of the largest and most important highways investments in the north of England, and will significantly improve journeys, safety and connectivity.
A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Development Consent Order Design Application Change Consultation 2023
A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Design Consultation September 2021
A66 Northern Trans-Pennine consultation 2019
Environmental Statement documents (document references APP-043 to APP-233, REP-167, REP-169 and REP-171) can be found in the DCO examination library on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.
Visit our A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project feedback tool to have your say. The tool includes an interactive map. You can click on a location between Penrith and Scotch Corner to make a specific comment or give us your general feedback.
ECHO is a one-way feedback tool, so if you'd like a response to your feedback, you can email the project team at A66NTP@nationalhighways.co.uk
