A66 to Close Overnight Between Penrith and Temple Sowerby
The A66 will close overnight in both directions between Penrith and Temple Sowerby this week as part of work linked to the wider A66 Northern Transpennine scheme.
The closure affects the route from Kemplay Bank roundabout to Temple Sowerby.
The road will be closed from midnight to 6am each night from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 19.
National Highways said the work is needed while teams strengthen the road underneath the central reservation between M6 junction 40 and Kemplay Bank roundabout at Penrith.
Signed diversion routes will be in place during the closures.
Why the Work Is Taking Place
The work forms part of preparation for the wider A66 Northern Transpennine project.
National Highways said strengthening the road beneath the central reservation will help it keep two lanes running in each direction during the main construction phase.
The aim is to reduce disruption for drivers once larger construction work is under way.
CCTV cameras will also be installed along the A66 between M6 junction 40 and the Temple Sowerby bypass.
National Highways said the cameras will help monitor traffic and allow teams to respond quickly to incidents or breakdowns.
Closure Dates and Times
The main overnight closure runs from Kemplay Bank roundabout to Temple Sowerby.
It will be in place in both directions from midnight to 6am from Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 19.
Further restrictions are also planned on the A66 between M6 junction 40 and Kemplay Bank roundabout.
From 7pm on Friday, June 19, to 6am on Monday, June 22, one lane will run in both directions. This will include both roundabouts and approaches.
The A66 in both directions between M6 junction 40 and Kemplay Bank roundabout will also close from midnight to 6am on Sunday, June 21.
Another weekend of lane restrictions is planned from 7pm on Friday, June 26, to 6am on Monday, June 29, again between M6 junction 40 and Kemplay Bank roundabout.
Diversions for Drivers
Signed diversion routes will be in place while the closures are active.
National Highways said HGV diversion routes will use the M6, A69 and A1 because of existing restrictions in the area.
Drivers are being advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys, especially those travelling overnight or making deliveries through the area.
Emergency vehicle access will be maintained at all times.
Part of Major A66 Upgrade
The A66 is one of the main east-west routes across northern England, linking Cumbria with the North East.
The Northern Transpennine scheme is intended to improve safety, journey times and reliability along the route.
The latest closures are part of the early work needed before the main construction programme progresses.
National Highways has warned that closure plans can change at short notice, so drivers should check travel information before setting off.
