A £1 billion highways project aimed at improving safety and journey times on the A66 has been welcomed by Durham County Council.
Highways England has announced the preferred route for dualling the remaining sections of single carriageway on the important Trans Pennine link road between Penrith in Cumbria and Scotch Corner in North Yorkshire.
The 50-mile route includes an 18-mile stretch within County Durham and the proposals include dualling two sections of carriageway within the county, namely the Bowes bypass and the stretch between Cross Lanes and Rokeby.
The junctions between Barnard Castle and the A66 at Bowes and Rokeby would also be improved to enhance safety and allow for smoother journeys for HGVs.
Councillor Carl Marshall, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “The A66 is of regional and national significance, providing a vital link between the East and West of the country that millions of businesses, residents, commuters and visitors rely upon each year.
“Fully dualling the remaining stretches of single carriageway will improve journey times and connectivity.
“This is essential for economic growth as good transport links make regions more attractive to potential investors and help businesses become more efficient, as well as making places more accessible to visitors.”
The options selected by Highways England take into account feedback from a public consultation last year.
Over the coming months, the designs will be developed further ahead of a statutory public consultation scheduled to take place in the spring and summer of 2021.
Counc Marshall said: “Protecting the interests of our communities is of the utmost importance to us and we anticipate the scheme will bring many benefits to those who live and work near the A66.
“Now that the proposed route has been announced, we will continue to work with Highways England to ensure residents’ views are heard, particularly in relation to ensuring any disruption caused during the construction period is kept to a minimum."
