WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and Arup have been selected to carry out investigative studies on improving road links in Northern England.

The consultants will investigate options to improve east to west links between the M6 in Cumbria and the A1 Motorway in the North East.

The firms will also look into possible transport improvements on the M60 and M62 between Trafford and Bury.

WSP has been awarded £500,000 to examine the possibility of turning the A66 or A69, or both roads, into dual carriageways as well as making other improvements along their length.

It will lead a joint venture of companies, including Halcrow, TRL and Steer Davies Gleave.

In addition, Arup has been awarded a contract worth over £1m to examine how the transport network to the northwest of Manchester could be improved, including the M60 from junctions 8 to 18 and the M62 from junctions 9 to 12. The study will examine both road and public transport improvements.

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The studies are part of the government's Road Investment Strategy commissioned by the Department for Transport and Transport for the North (TfN).

Nigel Edwards, Divisional Director of Strategic Planning at Highways England, said: "These two studies could lead to major benefits across the North and I'm pleased we've now reached the stage where we can appoint specialist companies to start this process.

"A new dual carriageway, providing a direct link between Cumbria and the North East, would mean businesses would no longer have to rely solely on the M62 to travel quickly between the two regions.

"We're already creating a smart motorway on the busiest stretch of the M60 in Greater Manchester, but the new strategic study will look at what else can be done to alleviate congestion in this part of the region."

In total, seven studies are taking place across England, including three in the North. The third will assess the viability of a trans-Pennine tunnel.

The three studies are due to be completed by the end of 2016.

(LM/MH)