THE public are to be given the chance to see long-awaited plans to improve the A66 trans-Pennine road.

A series of exhibitions will be held on plans for the route, which is recognised as one of the most dangerous in Britain.

The Government gave the go-ahead for the Highways Agency to develop proposals for the full dualling of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner last year.

That followed a long campaign, spearheaded by The Northern Echo, for action to reduce the growing death and injury toll.

The public consultation will cover six schemes, which are Bowes Bypass dualling; Cross Lane to Greta Bridge; Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor; Penrith to Temple Sowerby; Temple Sowerby to Appleby; and Appleby to Brough.

The 50-mile stretch is a mixture of single and dual carriageway, which has been a major contributor to the number of serious accidents in recent years.

Project Manager Graham Dakin said: "These plans will bring benefits not just for users of the cross-Pennine route but also for local people and the local and regional economies.

"Dualling the whole of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner will mean a significant improvement in road safety and will be of enormous importance to the road transport industry."

The dates for the exhibition are Newsham village hall, November 19, 6pm to 9pm and November 20, 10am to 8pm; Warcop village hall, November 19, 6pm to 9pm and November 20, 10am to 8pm; Bowes and Gilmonby village hall, November 21, noon to 8pm and November 22, 10am to 2pm; Temple Sowerby village hall, November 24, 10am to 8pm and November 25, 10am to 8pm; and Kirkby Thore village hall, November 27, 10am to 8pm and November 28, 10am to 8pm.