MAJOR UPGRADES: The A66 close to Penrith. Picture: Google Streetview Highways England hope to complete the £1bn upgrade to the A66 in Cumbria before 2030, following indications from the Government that it backs an acceleration of the project. The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project proposes to convert the entire 50-mile stretch of the road from where it meets the M6 near Penrith to where it meets the A1M at Scotch Corner into duel carriageway. Briefing members of Cumbria County Council on the progress of the scheme yesterday, Highways England project director Brian Williams explained that the Government is supporting an acceleration of the project s delivery, which was not due to be complete until 2035.