A66 dualling scheme - RHA optimistic vital infrastructure project will proceed

The road transport and commercial vehicle industry contributes billions to the UK economy each year. It's important therefore to have the right infrastructure in place to support economic growth locally and nationally. This is achieved by investing in a reliable road network, and more safe and secure parking spaces and driver facilities. 

The A66 dualling scheme will see an investment of £1.3bn to ensure 50 miles of carriageway is dualled in its entirety. Commenting on the continued importance of the project, RHA Policy lead for Infrastructure, James Barwise said:

"Households, businesses, and the public sector rely heavily on companies across our industry and we want to keep business and the UK supply-chain moving and performing at the highest possible levels.

"We previously welcomed investment in the scheme as the A66 is the key strategic road link between the M6 and the A1 for businesses in Cumbria and North Yorkshire. We remain optimistic that this vital piece of infrastructure will proceed as planned, with works starting when the remaining legal processes conclude. HGVs account for a quarter of all traffic on this stretch of the A66 and delays to journeys can have a negative effect on businesses, including lost working time and missed shipment slots.

"The investment in the A66 is an important vote of confidence in our road network and in the road haulage sector. We'll continue to liaise with National Highways and the Planning Inspectorate in the weeks and months ahead to be kept fully up to date with the situation."

Investment in our road network and collaboration with industry is key to alleviating congestion and ensuring that journeys can be made safely, efficiently and reliably – while keeping the UK economy moving.