A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route given the green light supporting thousands of new jobs and
connecting millions across the North
· A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme is given the go ahead, shaving up to 12 minutes off journeys
and connecting millions across the North to drive economic growth
· Government also confirms continued support for the Tyne Bridge, following previous £1.8 billion
investment in the North East
· Driving growth through projects in the North and Midlands, to ease congestion, cut journey times
and bring greater access to jobs and opportunities, making working people better off – all part of the
Plan for Change
Millions of commuters and businesses across the North East and Cumbria are set to benefit from
quicker journeys, as A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, is given the green light, the Government has
announced today (8th July).
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding
boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys
easier.
“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North
and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect
communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving
what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
Completing dualling of the A66 will increase capacity, improving journey times and connectivity
from the North East to the M6 and Penrith, Carlisle and the Lake District and improving access along
the route for towns and villages such as Bowes and Barnard Castle..
A vital regional, national and international economic route, the upgrades will provide faster
connections from the North East and Cumbria to Northern Ireland and to ports like Stranraer, and
also provide a boost to tourism by improving connections for holiday makers to the Yorkshire Dales
and the Lake District.
The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project will create a continuous dual carriageway between the
M6 at Penrith and A1(M) at Scotch Corner, significantly improving reliability and shaving up to 12
minutes off journeys.
Freight connections will be significantly improved, as 25% of the current traffic on the road is
made up of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), more than twice the national average for a road of this
kind.
Bishop Auckland MP Dr Sam Rushworth said: “After months of campaigning, I am very happy the
government has confirmed that the dualling and improvements on the A66 will go ahead. This is a
significant investment that will boost our regional economy and make a real difference in the lives of
constituents who regularly travel across the North Pennines.”
“This a huge project that will create jobs and inject money into the regional economy, so I will do
what I can to make sure local people have access to those opportunities.”
The Government has also confirmed it will be funding the upgrade of the signalling system on
the Tyne and Wear Metro. This investment will enhance journey times, improve reliability and
safety, and enable future expansion of the network.
The Government has also reaffirmed its support for the Tyne Bridge, following £1.8bn
Government funding committed to improve local transport and drive opportunity in the North East .
This is part of a record £15.6 billion of funding for local transport projects in England’s city regions.
Mayor Kim McGuinness has confirmed that following the Government’s funding, North East
Mayoral Authority has committed to using some of this funding to return the Tyne Bridge to its
former glory.
It comes as the Government greenlights over fifty road and rail upgrades across the country, as
part of the £92 billion of transport investment in the Spending Review, supporting 42,000 jobs,
enabling 1.5 million new homes, and improving connectivity for 50,000 people as part of its Plan for
Change.
