A consultation has been launched on £1 billion dualling plans for the A66 to improve links from the East of England to Scotland.

The A66, a key regional route which connects Penrith in Cumbria with Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire, spans 50 miles with single carriageway sections totalling 18 miles. Highways England aims to fully dual these sections of the road.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "We are investing a record £13 billion to improve journeys across the North of England.

"Dualling the A66 will not only mean drivers' journeys are quicker, safer and more reliable across the Pennines, but is part of our pledge to ensure that the business opportunities of the Northern Powerhouse spread out from the great cities of the North of England to every city, town and rural community from the Midlands to the Scottish Lowlands."

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Highways England chief executive Jim O'Sullivan commented: "The A66 connects businesses, communities and families across the north of England, and this highly anticipated upgrade is great news for the local, and regional economies and will improve the national road network.

"We're pleased to be going out to the local community to consult on the options for the scheme. I would like to thank all our local partners who have supported us to get the project to this stage and I would encourage everyone with an interest in the scheme to get involved with this consultation."

Members of the public are urged to express their views on the ideas set out for each of the remaining sections of single carriageway. Throughout the consultation period, opportunities will be available to find out details about how each option will balance local access needs with the needs of trans-Pennine traffic, while also catering for slow moving vehicles such as farm traffic, walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

The consultation will run for eight weeks until 11 July.

For more information, visit highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/a66-northern-trans-pennine/.

(CM/JG)