(Image: Provided)
A "vital" new road has opened following the completion of the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council, ending years of disruption caused by landslips on a key cross-country route.
The majority of the new 4.2km route at Kex Gill, part of the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton, is now in use.
The section replaces an old stretch of the A59 that had long been troubled by repeated landslips.
Councillor Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said: "This is a moment that we have been aiming for throughout such a complex and detailed highways project.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, right, is pictured with Lauren Luck, a regional engineer at the contractors involved in the Kex Gill realignment project, Sisk Infrastructure, on the new stretch of the A59
(Image: NYC)
"It will bring major benefits for communities in the county as well as across the North of England as it is such an important route.
The A59 has experienced 15 landslips since 2000, leading to more than £6 million in repair costs and frequent road closures.
"The scheme is the largest we have undertaken as a council, and there have been significant challenges to create the new road in such a remote location in often extremely poor weather conditions.
"But the opening of the new road is testament to the dedication, tenacity and hard work of everyone involved in ensuring this project has become a reality."
Part of the new stretch of the A59 at Kex Gill which has opened to traffic on Tuesday (August 25). The realignment of a section of the road repeatedly affected by landslips is the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council.
(Image: NYC)
The newly opened road is designed to offer a safer and more reliable route for motorists.
The project is seen as critical for connecting the east and west of England.
Although most construction is complete, some finishing work remains, including tying the new road into the existing network and landscaping.
A 30mph speed limit will remain in place while these works are finished.
Two of the three lanes are currently open to traffic.
The full scheme, including a crawler lane for slow-moving vehicles, will be available once all elements are complete.
Environmental improvements have also formed a key part of the project.
More than 12,700 native trees have been planted across the site.
Additional measures include wildflower planting, habitat creation, balancing ponds, and other schemes to support biodiversity.
The scheme also includes new paths for walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.
In keeping with the Nidderdale National Landscape, four kilometres of natural stone walls have been built.
The realigned route aims to permanently divert traffic away from the landslip-prone area.
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It is expected to deliver a more resilient connection for communities, businesses, and visitors travelling through North Yorkshire.
The A59 is one of the UK’s most important east-west transport links.
It connects Harrogate and Skipton and forms part of the route running between junction 31 of the M6 and junction 47 of the A1(M).
The project was delivered by North Yorkshire Council.