A SERIES of public exhibitions is to be held regarding plans to upgrade the A66 trans-Pennine route, which aim to make it safer, improve journey times and benefit the local and regional economies.

The Government has given the go-ahead for the Highways Agency to develop proposals for the full dualling of the road between Penrith and Scotch Corner after endorsing a safety study recommendation.

The public consultation will cover six schemes, which include Bowes bypass dualling, Cross Lanes to Greta Bridge, Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor, Penrith to Temple Sowerby, Temple Sowerby to Appleby and Appleby to Brough.

Three other schemes are already included in the Government's programme of improvements and are progressing. They are Temple Sowerby bypass and improvements at Winderwath; Greta Bridge to Stephen Bank and Carkin Moor to Scotch Corner.

The 50-mile stretch of road is a mixture of old, single carriageway sections interspersed with lengths of dual carriageway, the mixture of which has contributed to a number of serious accidents in recent years.

Highways Agency project manager, Graham Dakin, gave assurances that environmental considerations were key aspects of the assessment of options, with the schemes sensitively designed to reduce their impact.

"The effect on local communities has been carefully considered and improved pedestrian facilities and noise reduction measures are included to mitigate the impact," he added.

"The proposed routes have also taken into consideration the important archaeological heritage along this route."

Mr Dakin said consultation allowed locals and road users to comment on the proposals before they were taken forward.

"It is a very significant event in the development of these schemes, as the results will be used to inform ministers about the views of those affected," he said.

He urged those living along the A66 corridor to visit the exhibitions to find out how the proposals might affect them and to let the agency know their views.

The dates are: November 19, Newsham Village Hall 6-9pm; Warcop Village Hall 6-9pm. November 20, Newsham Village Hall 10am-8pm; Warcop Village Hall 10am-8pm. November 21-22, Bowes Village Hall, noon-8pm (21) and 10-2pm (22). November 24-25, Temple Sowerby Village Hall 10-8 both days. November 27-28, Kirkby Thore Village Hall, 10-8 both days.