The agency is now developing plans to fully dual the remaining single carriageway sections of the A66, which total 18 miles of the 50 mile route in addition to junction improvements to the M6, junction 40 at Penrith and the A1(M) at Scotch Corner.
The preferred route will be unveiled in 2020 with as yet no start date for the project.
Highways England chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “The A66 connects businesses, communities and families across the north of England, and this highly anticipated upgrade is great news for the local, and regional economies and will improve the national road network.
“We’re pleased to be going out to the local community to consult on the options for the scheme.
“I would like to thank all our local partners who have supported us to get the project to this stage and I would encourage everyone with an interest in the scheme to get involved with this consultation.”
The consultation sets out the ideas for each of the remaining section of single carriageway.
Key sections of work
1. M6 junction 40 to Kemplay Bank roundabout (A66/A6 interchange)
2. Penrith to Temple Sowerby (3 miles)
3. Temple Sowerby to Appleby – Kirkby Thore
4. Temple Sowerby to Appleby – Crackenthorpe
5. Appleby to Brough (5 miles)
6. Bowes Bypass
7. Cross Lanes to Rokeby (1.8 miles)
8. Stephen Bank to Carkin Moor (4 miles)