Work to reopen a vital stretch of the A59 at Kex Gill in North Yorkshire will start tomorrow (16 January) following a landslip on New Year’s Day.
North Yorkshire Council and its highways company, NY Highways, have appointed Harrogate-based contractor HACS to carry out the repairs. The project will involve clearing over 2,000 tonnes of debris from the slope, installing 50 metres of new drainage channels, and adding about 100 tonnes of clean stone to stabilise the area.
Councillor Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said: “I am pleased to confirm that work to repair the A59 at Kex Gill will begin tomorrow following the landslip on New Year’s Day.
“Recent snowfall and sub-zero temperatures unfortunately impacted the works, so I know it will be very welcome news that these can now safely commence.
“I’d like to thank road users for their patience. Our team is working to complete the works and reopen the road as quickly as possible, which we anticipate will be on January 29.”
The road at Kex Gill, situated near Harrogate on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, has experienced regular landslips, with 15 incidents reported since 2000.
Cllr Duncan added: “This is the latest in a long list of unplanned and disruptive landslips on the road at Kex Gill.
“It once again emphasises the importance of delivering our £68 million project to bypass this problematic stretch, which will ensure future disruption can be avoided.
“This highways project, our most ambitious ever, is progressing well and we expect the realignment scheme to be completed next year.”
The new bypass will replace a four-kilometre section of the A59 that has been severely affected by landslips, offering a long-term solution to the recurring problems in the area.
Work on the current repairs is expected to finish by 29 January, subject to any unforeseen delays.