After years of tireless work, Dr Neil Hudson MP celebrated a campaign milestone as the Conservative Government gave planning consent to the vital upgrades to the A66 that will reduce travel times, ease congestion, level up the regional economy and ultimately protect lives through improved safety.
Today the Development Consent Order - planning permission for national infrastructure projects - was granted by the Transport Secretary for the £1 billion upgrade which will -among other things - dual the route from Penrith to Scotch Corner allowing the vital regional artery to flourish.
Spurred on by strong feelings among his constituents, Dr Hudson has worked tirelessly with a host of stakeholders to develop plans and get ultimately get spades in the ground. He opened the project hub near Penrith in April 2022, has been in close contact with the Secretary of State and Transport Ministers and aided National Highways in resolving local challenges to the planning process.
With decision-makers having extended the DCO deadline to properly resolve matters flagged by regional and local stakeholders, this meticulous detail-oriented approach will help secure the schemes viability and provide positive outcomes for generations to come.
The upgraded route will help connect people to healthcare, education and jobs – not to mention the huge benefits for the tourism and freight industries. On top of this, the dualling will provide an economic boon to local companies, the jobs market and young Cumbrians committed to apprenticeships.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"Having supported my constituents to see this scheme flourish and opened the project hub, I know I speak for everyone when I say we are delighted to get the go ahead to get spades in the ground and deliver real results for local people and our whole region.
"Today's announcement is the culmination of years of hard work - from community campaigners demanding safer routes and local businesses advocating for improved East-West transport links, to the tireless efforts of the National Highways team and our Conservative Government's attentive decision-makers levelling up the UK.
"This vital upgrade will deliver faster travel times with less congestion, level up our regional economy and - most importantly - make the road safer and reduce accidents. Now the real work begins."
