Relief as A66 dualling is given the green light

A long-awaited scheme to dual the A66 has been approved by the Government.

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Quicker journey times on the busy road - used by many North East travellers to get across to the North West - have been promised.

The scheme to upgrade the cross-country road between Scotch Corner and Penrith was announced a number of times by the previous Government.

The incoming Labour administration paused the project as it examined the state of the public finances but has now given approval.

The road will be dualled between its junctions with the A1 in the east and the M6 to the west. Passing through Cumbria, County Durham and North Yorkshire, it provides a major cross-country route for haulage and tourists, as well access to towns like Barnard Castle and Richmond.

The Department of Transport said 25% of the road's current traffic is made up of HGVs, more than twice the national average for its type of road.