Dr Neil Hudson MP has urged for action on the delayed A66 dualling decision. While the application is still being considered, news broke that a planning decision has been pushed back as to whether work could start in earnest.
Dr Hudson opened the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project hub near Penrith in April 2022 and has since worked closely with all stakeholders to help develop plans in an equitable manner. Dualling the route will see journey times reduced, congestion eased and critically it will make the route safer.
Dr Hudson has been working alongside Government, Highways England and a range of local stakeholders throughout the process to improve the lives of his constituents for whom the route is so important to daily life.
- Last year Dr Hudson opened the A66 upgrade project hub.
- At the start of the consultation, Dr Hudson worked closely with stakeholders to find an equitable route.
The upgraded route will help connect people to healthcare, education and jobs – not to mention the huge benefits for the tourism and freight industries. On top of this, the dualling will provide an economic boon to local companies, the jobs market and young Cumbrians committed to apprenticeships.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“I know I speak for all the communities along the A66 when I say that we need to progress with this dualling upgrade. For those of us who know all too well how many collisions and even fatalities take place along our stretch of the A66, we need this upgrade to make the route safer, ultimately help save lives, in addition to the economic benefits this infrastructure will bring to the region
"I have been in close contact with the Secretary of State and Transport Ministers reinforcing just how important a positive decision is for us and will continue pushing hard for resolute action on the issue. I know a great deal of constituents have already written to me with their concerns and I will keep going on this."
