NEWS RELEASE

13 October 2022

 

National Highways has selected Costain as a Delivery Integration Partner (DIP), alongside Keltbray, Kier and Balfour Beatty Atkins, for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project. Costain, in strategic partnership with Jacobs, will collaborate with its partners to deliver improvements in the dualling of single carriageway sections of the highway and key junctions between the M6 Junction 40 at Penrith and the A1 at Scotch Corner, supporting the design and build of the works, as well as advising on buildability.

With National Highways and its partners, the detailed design phase for the project is predicted to commence shortly. This is expected to be completed in early 2024. Should National Highways’ proposals be approved, construction work is then expected to begin Spring 2024. Once complete, the project will help transform journeys from East to West and stimulate growth in the region.

Costain have been asked to lead the Enterprise Project Management Office (PMO) for the works, alongside its Enterprise Partners. This includes National Highways, all four DIPs, and Amey Consulting alongside Arup. Costain has been working with its Enterprise Partners since September 2021 to refine the scheme design for the works and develop the construction programme.

Together, the Enterprise Partners will implement innovative ways of working and bring together expertise and best practice from all four DIPs to achieve optimum outcomes. The Enterprise (PMO) team of experts will oversee information management, digital strategy, and budgets for the works, providing systems support for partners and driving efficiencies throughout.

The landmark A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project will reconnect communities and significantly improve journeys between the Northeast and Northwest. It will provide better access to services such as healthcare, jobs, and education, as well as enhancing safety, reducing congestion, and improving the reliability of journeys.

Simon Ellison, Highways Director at Costain, said:

“The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project will transform journeys, improve road safety and connections between communities that will deliver significant economic and social value. In a unique ‘Enterprise’ collaboration with our partners, we will utilise the full range of our expertise in complex programme delivery, consultancy and digital to help ensure the A66 is fit for a better future. We are privileged to be able to support the delivery of this flagship scheme for the North of England.”