Tom Gifford joined National Highways in 2022 as the Regional Sponsor for the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project. The A66 is a crucial route for east-west travel in northern England, facilitating essential connections for freight, tourism, and businesses across the UK. The A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project aims to establish a continuous dual carriageway between the A1(M) and M6. It is recognised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, and has recently seen the legal challenge to the Development Consent Order dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
 
Tom began his career with a degree in Economics with Transport from the Institute of Transport Studies at the University of Leeds. He initially worked in transport consultancy before joining the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. There, he gained extensive experience in major transport project development, consents, policy and strategy, and latterly he supported the Mayor in creating the West Yorkshire Mass Transit vision and programme.