The main stretch of North Yorkshire’s landmark A59 Kex Gill realignment project is set to open to traffic by early September, marking the biggest milestone to date on the council’s largest-ever highways scheme.
The new 4.2-kilometre route bypasses a section of the A59 between Harrogate and Skipton that has been plagued by instability. Since 2000, the old road suffered 15 landslips, resulting in repeated closures and more than £6 million in emergency repair costs.
Construction on the main body of the new road is now complete, with engineers from contractor Sisk Infrastructure focusing on final road markings and connecting the new alignment to the existing road network. Once those tie-ins are complete, two of the three new carriageways will open to drivers.
Cllr Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transportation at North Yorkshire Council, 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. Within weeks, road users will begin benefiting from a modern, resilient route.”
Lauren Luck, regional engineer at Sisk Infrastructure, added: “The project has presented significant engineering challenges, which our team and supply chain partners have successfully delivered in very difficult terrain. We hope that this achievement creates a lasting, positive difference for communities across North Yorkshire.”
Alongside the new carriageways, the project features environmental and recreational enhancements within the Nidderdale National Landscape, including new paths for walkers, cyclists, and equestrians, four kilometres of natural stone walling, balancing ponds, and the planting of over 12,700 native trees.
Work will continue on final junction improvements at Church Hill and access works near Fewston Reservoir while traffic begins using the new main route.
