Arcadis has been appointed to help deliver the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme.

The industry consultant will develop proposals for the Highways England project, which aims to carry out improvements along a 50-mile stretch between the M6 and A1(M) motorways.

Under the two-year deal, Arcadis will focus on delivering design, traffic, economic and environmental assessments across the route.

Transport links across the Pennines are limited, with the A66 representing the most direct route between the Tees Valley, Yorkshire, East Midlands, East of England and Cumbria, Glasgow and much of central Scotland. Improvements to the road have the potential to alleviate pressure around traffic flow, significantly improve connectivity and support wider economic growth.


Steve Davies, Project Director at Arcadis, said: "Delivering better road links across the region is a core component for developing the Northern economy and an integral part of the Northern Powerhouse agenda. As part of this, the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine scheme will play a major role in establishing more effective connections, ensuring safer and more reliable journey times between our key cities and ultimately supporting wider regional growth and prosperity."

(LM)