The councillor in charge of transport at North Yorkshire Council says a new road at A59 Kex Gill will now open in Spring 2026 — after the council previously said it would be open in late 2025.
Work on the £68.8m road realignment project began last year and will see the new three-mile road built from Blubberhouses that ends just after Kex Gill.
The A59 is a key link for North Yorkshire but the notorious section between Skipton and Harrogate has had a long history of landslips which has caused long diversions for motorists and extra costs for the council.
The current route reopened last month after being closed since February due to another landslip.
Ahead of a full meeting of North Yorkshire Council in Northallerton next week, Conservative executive member for highways Keane Duncan has provided a written update to councillors that reflected on the recent works.
He also confirmed the new planned opening date of Spring 2026 for the realigned road.
Council officials first said the Department for Transport-funded scheme would cost £61.6 million but this rose to £68.8m last year due to inflationary costs, with the council covering the £7.2m shortfall from its reserves.
Cllr Duncan said:
“I am pleased to report the A59 Kex Gill was re-opened on Friday 21 June, one week ahead of programme and well before the Great Yorkshire Show.
“This represents a significant engineering effort with the installation of 85m of sheet piling, 10m deep, together with new drainage, utility diversions and road reconstruction. Meanwhile, works to the new road are progressing, with opening planned for Spring 2026.”
In the same update, Cllr Duncan provided details of the North Yorkshire Council’s road surface dressing programme that began in April.
He said the council has earmarked £5m for the works which will cover 142 miles of road once it’s completed at the end of August.
He added that progress has been hampered by repeated spells of wet weather.
Cllr Duncan also discussed the planned introduction of a scheme that would charge contractors fees of up to £2,500 per day for conducting road works at peak times.
If introduced next year, it would be the first scheme of its kind in the north of England.
The Coniston Hotel to remain under family ownership
Airedale Hospital introduces new service for prostate cancer
Appletreewick pub shortlisted in Countryside Alliance ‘Rural Oscars’
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned
Skipton children’s charity collaborates with luxury makeup brand
Police appeal after two vehicle collision in Skipton
Village panto raises over £3,000 for good causes
Nominations open for Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Governor elections
Call for volunteers to tackle litterbugs in clean-up campaign
Community Centre in Silsden to hold two day sale fundraiser
Search for missing man continues
Skipton MP shares update on redevelopment of Airedale Hospital
Airedale Hospital charity hits the road for its fifth annual World Book Day adventure
Councillors “bored” of link road talk and want action
Local solicitors celebrate new Skipton branch
Skipton schools win awards for technology tournament
Information wanted after stolen vehicle crashes near Blubberhouses
Your Local Experiences earns thousands for local businesses in first month
Care home introduces new exhibition creating a new perspective on Dementia
