A new road in North Yorkshire has finally opened to traffic in a move that has been heralded as key for generations to come.
The majority of the new 4.2-kilometre route at Kex Gill, which has replaced a section of road repeatedly affected by landslips, is the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council.
The new road provides motorists with a safer, more reliable route between York, Harrogate and Skipton. It then goes on to link up with the M6 at Preston.
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.
“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 scheme has been introduced to provide a solution to a long-standing problem of landslips. Since 2000, the previous route of the A59 at Kex Gill has suffered 15 landslips, resulting in more than £6 million of repair costs and repeated closures.
The majority of the construction work is now complete, with only the tie-ins to the existing road network as well as landscaping works still to be finished.
A 30mph speed restriction will be in place while the remaining works are completed.
Two of the three lanes of the new section of the A59, which includes a crawler lane for slow-moving traffic, will be available for motorists to use until all elements of the scheme are finished.
More than 12,700 native trees have been planted across the site, alongside extensive wildflower planting, habitat creation, balancing ponds and biodiversity measures designed to support local wildlife.
The scheme also includes new routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, together with four kilometres of natural stone walls that complement the character of the Nidderdale National Landscape.
The A59 has been identified by the Government as one of the most important strategic routes nationally as it provides a key link running across the country.
The road provides a vital east-west connection in North Yorkshire, linking York, Harrogate and Skipton with Lancashire.