The Government is still to confirm when work will commence on the long-awaited £1.3 billion A66 Northern Trans-Pennine dualling scheme, despite formally approving the project earlier this year.

The Department for Transport (DfT) said it “continues to work closely with National Highways to confirm a delivery timeline” following its commitment to upgrade the route between Scotch Corner and Penrith, says the Northern Echo.

Once a timetable has been set, the DfT say a final business case will need ministerial approval before the main construction phase can start.

The project, which will see the final single-carriageway stretches of the A66 dualled, was given the green light on July 8 in a major infrastructure announcement.

The decision marked the end of years of uncertainty, political lobbying and legal wrangling.

Campaigners and local MPs hailed the approval as a “pivotal moment” for communities across North Yorkshire, County Durham and Cumbria, where residents and businesses have long called for safety improvements and better connectivity.

(Pic: Mapillary)