A66 Road Reconstruction: Enhancing Safety and Quality in Eden Valley

Project Overview: 

Commencing on Friday 7 September, the project goals is to enhance road quality and safety. A significant part of the project included seven successive weekend closures of the road, running from 10pm each Friday to 3am on the following Monday. During the seventeen days of work, other repairs and maintenance tasks were efficiently integrated into the project. 

Key Improvements: 

1. Total Reconstruction: The A66 between Kirkby Thore and Low Moor received a thorough reconstruction and resurfacing, bringing the road up to modern standards and addressing surface issues that had arisen over the years. 

2. Cautious Closure Strategy: Due to the necessity of full road closure for safety reasons, meticulous planning ensured that diversions for various types of vehicles were thoughtfully crafted and communicated in advance. 

3. Multi-Location Resurfacing: Alongside the main reconstruction, resurfacing work was strategically carried out at various locations, including M6 junction 40, Skirsgill roundabout, Kemplay roundabout and spurs, Temple Sowerby Bypass, and more. 

Phases and Execution: 

The major road reconstruction project between Kirkby Thore and Low Moor east of Penrith was executed in two key phases. The project commenced on Friday, September 7th, and spanned seventeen days. During this period, the road underwent a series of seven successive weekend closures, commencing each Friday evening and concluding on the following Monday morning. These closures facilitated the execution of essential reconstruction and resurfacing activities aimed at modernizing the A66 carriageway. 

Positive Outcomes:

• Road Reconstruction and Modernisation: The extensive project addressed the A66's deteriorating condition by executing a comprehensive reconstruction and resurfacing of the carriageway. The work was a long-term solution to address previous road surface issues that had accumulated over several years.

• Enhanced Safety and Infrastructure: The reconstruction not only improved road quality but also ensured modern safety standards were met. The updated road surface and infrastructure contributed to a safer and more efficient travel environment for both commuters and tourists.

• Minimised Future Disruptions: The project's holistic approach, which included other repair and maintenance work, aimed to minimise future inconveniences for road users. By utilising the planned road closures to conduct additional essential tasks, effectively spared drivers from potential future disruptions.

• Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement: The project's successful execution was underpinned by months of careful planning and engagement with local councils, businesses, and stakeholders. This strategic approach ensured the project's alignment with regional interests and minimised any potential negative impacts on the community.
  

• Diverse Diversion Planning: Through meticulously planned diversions to accommodate various types of vehicles, ensuring that commercial traffic, local travelers, and commuters had suitable alternative routes. This thoughtful diversion planning mitigated the impact of the road closures on different road user groups.

Collaborative Approach: 

Months of careful planning preceded the project, including active engagement with local councils, businesses, and other stakeholders. This ensured alignment with regional interests and smooth execution. 

National Highways Perspective: 

Project Manager Stephen Mason explained, “The A66 between Kirkby Thore and Low Moor is on very old foundations and the carriageway needs total reconstruction and resurfacing to bring it up to modern standards. This will provide a long-term fix to road surface issues we have had here over the last few years…”