Concern for future of £1.5bn A66 Scotch Corner dualling plan

Work had been expected to start this year on upgrading the notorious 50-mile stretch, between Scotch Corner and Penrith. which at present is a mix of dual and single carriageway, after the project was given approval in March by the then Transport Secretary.

But on Tuesday, the scheme, which aims to cut journey times and reduce fatalities, was called into question after the Department for Transport (DfT) said an "internal review" of ongoing, scheduled and confirmed transport projects will take place.

The A66 between Scotch Corner and Penrith (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Councillors who have been campaigning for the upgrade for several years have expressed their concern on the future of the A66 dualling and say that worries about "how many more fatalities have to happen" to get the project started.

In a statement, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh cited a reported £22bn public spending gap outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Monday, saying it included £2.9bn in "unfunded transport commitments".

There will be an 'internal review' of transport projects from the Department for Transport (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

The statement added: "Communities up and down the country have been given hope for new transport infrastructure, with no plans or funds to deliver them. 

"There has been a lack of openness with the public about the status of schemes – some of which were cancelled or paused by the previous government, without proper communication to the public.

"As the Chancellor informed Parliament, I am commissioning an internal review of DfT’s capital spend portfolio. We will bring in external expertise and move quickly to make recommendations about current and future schemes."

While the Department for Transport and Highways England said they can't provide specific details on the A66 scheme or the future of the improvements, there is worry among North Yorkshire councillors who helped to lobby for the A66 project for years. 

The A66 near Scotch Corner (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Conservative councillor Yvonne Peacock, who covers the Upper Dales division, said she will be disappointed if the scheme doesn't go ahead. 

She said: "We have been lobbying for years to get the upgrade on the A66. It is a dangerous road causing many accidents.

"Many councillors over many years have worked to achieve this latest work. I will be most disappointed if after all this time Labour does not go ahead with the plans

"How many more accidents? An improvement plan is in place and now we need this to go ahead. Work is seriously needed a the Scotch Corner junction."

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Conservative councillor Angus Thompson, who covers the North Richmondshire division, highlighted how vital this project would be for the region. 

He said: "It's a main route in North Yorkshire, and connects a lot of drivers. It must take place, given that there are so many fatalities on the stretch of road. 

"Fatalities seem so common on the A66, and the improvement must take place."