A66 Bowes to Cumbrian border central barrier and signage upgrades - 6 May 2025 - Autumn 2025

The timescales for this project have now been updated from previously advertised dates.
 
We’ll start preparing for the barrier upgrade on Tuesday 6 May, when we’ll install the traffic management needed for this scheme.
 
We'll then start work on the barrier itself on Wednesday 21 May and work until Autumn 2025. 
 
We'll work in phases:

• phase 1 - Snow Gates to Coach and Horses
• phase 2 - Coach and Horses to the Cumbrian border. 

Traffic management

From 6 May, we’ll put in place overnight localised contraflow systems which will enable us to install the lane 2 closures we need to carry out the barrier replacement.  

Construction of the new barrier itself then begin on Wednesday 21 May.  

This will involve the following traffic management:

• 24-hour lane two closure and narrow lanes with 40mph speed restriction between A66 Cumbria and Bowes.
• Closing some laybys adjacent to the A66 eastbound and westbound carriageways. 

We’ll also require overnight localised contraflows for two weeks mid-scheme to move from phase 1 to phase 2, and again at the end of scheme to remove all the temporary works.  

This scheme is due to continue until Autumn 2025. 

Temporary speed cameras will be installed on the route during the works, with free recovery available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Access

Residents, business and communities who may be affected will have access to their properties throughout the scheme. 

We'll update this page as we work.

Please note, this is part of routine maintenance and not part of the A66 North Trans Pennine dualling scheme. 

Benefits

Our upgrade will make the route safer and reduce incidents. Doing this work now means will reduce disruption in future.