Next week communities along the A66 will be updated on the project when new videos, web chats and brochures about the major update go live.

All remaining single carriageway sections, that total 18 miles, of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner will be dualled in the £1billion plans.

Since the summer teams of designers have been looking at the road and its junctions to determine what improvements are needed.

Environmental specialists have also been carrying out surveys to gain a greater understanding of the ecology and heritage in the area.

This winter ground investigation surveys will take place to look at the ground and soil conditions.

With Highways England on track to get the ball rolling next spring on the planning process for the transformation of the A66 between Penrith and Scotch Corner, now is a great time for residents to find out more about what works have been taking place during the last few months and what the future plans are.

Senior project manager, Matt Townsend, said: "We have been working hard during the summer and autumn, prepping for consultation in spring next year. We are committed to building on the positive relationships we have with communities that live along the route.

"In normal circumstances, we would organise local events and update local communities face to face. That’s not possible right now due to the current pandemic and we are therefore having to do things differently. We know that local people are keen to understand the junction designs and layouts better and find out how they can access and travel along the A66. We are therefore providing a full project update online from next Monday where people can view plans, watch videos and read our update."

The new brochure will go ‘live’ at www.highwaysengland.co.uk/A66-NTP on Monday alongside a new ‘What’s next?’ video setting out next steps for the project before the public consultation.

Anyone who is unable to go online to get the latest information is being advised to contact the project team on 0333 090 1192.