(Image: UGC)
A NEW road near Skipton has opened after landslips forced repeated closures on the old route.
The majority of the 4.2-kilometre Kex Gill route, near Skipton, has opened to traffic on today (Tuesday, August 25), following North Yorkshire Council’s largest highways project.
The new road gives motorists a safer, more reliable link between Harrogate and Skipton.
It also forms part of an east-west route across the North of England, between junction 31 of the M6 and junction 47 of the A1(M).
Since 2000, the previous route of the A59 at Kex Gill has suffered 15 landslips, causing more than £6 million in repair costs and repeated closures.
The new Kex Gill road has opened today
(Image: UGC)
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Malcolm Taylor said: "This is a moment that we have been aiming for throughout such a complex and detailed highways project.
"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 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."
The new Kex Gill road has opened today
(Image: UGC)
Current state of Kex Gill
Construction is not fully complete.
Tie-ins to the existing road network and landscaping remain, so a 30mph speed restriction will apply while the work continues.
Two of the three lanes are open, including a crawler lane for slow-moving traffic.
More than 12,700 native trees have been planted across the site.
Wildflower planting, habitat creation, balancing ponds and other biodiversity measures have also been included to support local wildlife.
New routes are provided for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.
Four kilometres of natural stone walls have been built to fit the character of the Nidderdale National Landscape.
These works form part of the wider scheme alongside the road.
By moving traffic away from the landslip-prone section, the realigned road provides a safer and more resilient connection for communities, businesses and visitors travelling through North Yorkshire.
The Government has identified the A59 as one of the most important strategic routes nationally.
North Yorkshire Council said the project had faced difficult conditions in a remote location.
The opening follows years of repairs and closures, and leaves only the final works before the full scheme is finished.
Once complete, the route will support journeys between Harrogate and Skipton and strengthen the county’s link across the North of England.
It is expected to improve reliability for local communities, businesses and visitors.