The main section of North Yorkshire’s landmark new A59 Kex Gill route is set to open to traffic within the next few weeks, marking a major milestone in the county’s most ambitious highways project.
The new 4.2-kilometre route, which will replace a section of road repeatedly affected by landslips, is entering its final stages of construction, with the majority expected to open by early September, providing a safer, more reliable connection between Harrogate and Skipton.
Since 2000, the existing A59 at Kex Gill has suffered 15 landslips, resulting in more than £6 million of repair costs and repeated closures. Construction is now largely complete, with only the tie-ins to the existing road network and the completion of road markings remaining; once finished, two of the three new carriageways will open to traffic.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said: “The opening of the main section of this new route will be a landmark moment for North Yorkshire and for the thousands of people who rely on the A59 every day. For decades, this stretch of road has been vulnerable to landslips, leading to costly repairs, lengthy diversions and significant disruption for local communities, businesses and visitors.
“Within weeks, road users will begin benefiting from a modern, resilient route that is designed to serve the county for generations to come. This is the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council and represents a huge achievement by everyone involved in its delivery.”
Crucial milestone
Lauren Luck, a regional engineer at Sisk Infrastructure, said: “We are delighted to reach this crucial milestone at Kex Gill. The project has presented significant engineering challenges, which our team and supply chain partners have successfully delivered solutions in very difficult terrain with significant environmental considerations to manage. We hope that this achievement creates a lasting, positive difference for communities across North Yorkshire.”
More than 12,700 native trees have been planted across the site, alongside extensive wildflower planting, habitat creation, balancing ponds and other biodiversity measures, along with new routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders and four kilometres of natural stone walls complementing the character of the Nidderdale National Landscape.
Work continues on the final eastern and western connections to the existing road network, including a redesigned junction at Church Hill and improvements to access around Fewston Reservoir.
