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Julian Smith MP presses Government on A59 Kex Gill Bypass

Thursday, 20 November 2025 11:26

Sir Julian Smith MP has raised concerns about works on the A59 at Kex Gill.

Ripon and Skipton MP Julian Smith has raised concerns in the House of Commons about delays and costly overruns on the A59 Kex Gill bypass.

The Kex Gill bypass is North Yorkshire Council’s largest highways project, designed to replace a landslip-prone section of the A59 near Blubberhouses that connects Harrogate and Skipton.

The new alignment will improve resilience, connectivity and safety, and is scheduled to open in spring 2026 following recent progress on surfacing works.

Speaking during Transport Questions, Julian urged Ministers to engage more closely with North Yorkshire Council to ensure the project remains on track.

In response, the Minister, Simon Lightwood MP, confirmed that while the Department for Transport has provided £56 million towards the scheme, no further funding is available, and any additional costs must be met locally.

However, the Department will offer advice to help deliver the project within the agreed funding.

You can watch Julian's question, and the Minister's answer, here:

The A59 Kex Gill bypass is vital for rural connectivity across North Yorkshire. Today I urged Ministers to work closely with @northyorksc to get this vital local transport project over the line.#Transport #NorthYorkshire #KexGill pic.twitter.com/0NBqJ7bNqb
— Julian Smith (@JulianSmithUK) November 20, 2025

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