A66 Dual Carriageway Project Impact.
We have seen various proposals to 'upgrade' the A66 road for many years and recently the Penrith to Scotch Corner section was given the go-ahead by the government to convert it to a dual-carriageway throughout, rather than switching between single and dual at numerous intervals along this 50 mile stretch. By-passes and an underpass will also be built with some changes to road junctions as well.
During the discussions (which have included the traffic and transport aspects plus considerations for businesses, the landscape and wildlife) a local MP stated it 'would relieve congestion, boost the economy and make the road safer'.
However, others have suggested it will lock in car use and harm the landscape, all this at a time when we are all experiencing the impact of climate change.
Making it easier for traffic along roads means greater car use and fewer traffic jams should occur, transportation of goods will be easier but all this means greater emissions, businesses will benefit from the passing trade whilst the local wildlife may lose their homes and we lose more green space.
At present, this section of road has one of the largest accident rates in the UK. Experts have suggested that these alterations to the A66 will decrease this number.
All of the above, along with the images in this project, help form an opinion of whether the new road system will positively or negatively impact the Environmental and Economic future of Northern England.
Documented during 2024.
