An MP has branded delays to the A66 upgrade in North Yorkshire and Cumbria “unacceptable”, saying there is still no clear start date.
Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak claims work at Scotch Corner and near Ravensworth could be delayed by two years.
But the Department for Transport (DfT) has insisted that the scheme is a "priority" and National Highways are scheduled to start work by the end of 2026.
The Government announced earlier this year that the £1.5bn scheme to dual the remaining single-carriage stretches of the road between Penrith and North Yorkshire would go ahead.
The A66 near Scotch Corner (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
The Government says work will start this year at the Penrith end, but has not given a date for the eastern sections, Mr Sunak says.
“I have been seeking certainty for residents in Ravensworth, the Laytons and Newsham since last May, when the Government announced it would proceed with the scheme which was shovel-ready in 2024," he said.
“Since then, there have been suggestions that the works schedule would be published in July, this did not happen and still has not happened.
Rishi Sunak MP (Image: Chris Booth)
"The uncertainty this has left residents with is unacceptable, and I am deeply concerned about reports that the Ravensworth and Scotch Corner upgrades might not get underway for two years.”
Mr Sunak said residents had waited “too long” to learn when their “daily nightmare” would end and traffic would stop diverting through their communities.
“These communities deserve to know,” he added.
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“The dualling of the Stephen Bank section north of Ravensworth is vital to improve safety and cut congestion, particularly at peak times when these villages are used as alternative routes by motorists frustrated by the jams on the single carriageway A66.”
North Yorkshire councillor Angus Thompson said he shared Mr Sunak’s frustration and backed calls for the Government and National Highways to publish a timetable.
“The lack of information and what we have heard unofficially is not good and only serves to make people wonder if the North Yorkshire upgrades might, ultimately, be delayed indefinitely," he added.
In response to the concerns, a DfT spokesperson said: “This scheme is a priority, and 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.”
The government department added that a business case for the scheme would need to be approved before main works can start.