Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP has urged the Government to press ahead with the long-awaited A66 dualling scheme without further delays, warning that communities along the route have already waited too long for improvements.

The MP for Richmond and Northallerton said he has written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, calling for clarity on the timetable for the £1.3bn upgrade and urging ministers not to disadvantage communities at the eastern end of the Trans-Pennine route when construction is phased, says the Northern Echo.

The project will dual the remaining single-carriageway sections of the A66 between Scotch Corner and Penrith, creating a continuous dual carriageway between the A1(M) and M6.

When complete, the upgraded 50-mile route is expected to reduce journey times by up to 12 minutes, improve reliability and support freight movements across the North of England.

Last month, the Government confirmed that work on the scheme is expected to begin before the end of 2026, starting at the Penrith end of the road. However, details on the order in which the remaining five single-carriageway sections will be dualled have yet to be announced.

Mr Sunak said communities, including Ravensworth and East and West Layton, were continuing to suffer from congestion and safety concerns while waiting for the project to move forward.

“I first started campaigning for improvements to the A66 ten years ago when I was contacted by the A66 Action Group, which represents these communities.

“Ten years on, they are still waiting to find out when the road will be improved. Dualling is vital to improve safety and stop these villages being used as alternative routes by motorists frustrated by congestion.”

Mr Sunak said that while in government, he had worked to ensure the project was ready to begin ahead of schedule.

(Picture: Mapillary)