Rishi Sunak has urged the Government to ensure communities at the eastern end of the A66 are not left waiting years for improvements.
The Richmond and Northallerton MP said he had written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander seeking assurances that villages including Ravensworth and East and West Layton would not be disadvantaged by the construction timetable.
Last month, the Government confirmed work on the £1.5bn A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project would begin before the end of 2026, starting at the Penrith end of the route. Details of how the remaining five single-carriageway sections will be upgraded are due to be announced later this year.
Mr Sunak said local communities had already faced years of delays after the project, which had been expected to start in 2024, was paused following the General Election.
He said: “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.”
The former Prime Minister said the Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor section near Ravensworth should be prioritised as part of the early phases of construction.
He said uncertainty over the delivery schedule continued to cause concern for residents living alongside the route.
Ken Bell, who leads the A66 Action Group, said communities had welcomed confirmation that the project would proceed but remained anxious about the lack of detail over the phasing of works.
He said: “Early communication of a clear plan on the timing of construction work at the eastern end of the A66 is badly needed – hopefully indicating an early start to this work, rather than incurring many more months or years of delay.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “This scheme is a priority, so we’re finalising timelines for the project, with National Highways working to begin construction by the end of this year.
“These improvements will make journeys safer and faster for local people and support business and freight across the North.”
