Work on a major realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill has been further delayed as the scheme awaits sign off from government.
North Yorkshire County Council had earmarked work on the scheme to finally start in January.
The project will see a diversion built west of Blubberhouses on a stretch of road blighted by a history of landslips.
The scheme has faced numerous delays and following tender returns, the estimated cost of the scheme increased by £7.2 million to £68.8 million, which the council attributes to inflation affecting constructions costs.
In a statement to full council next week, Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways, will say:
“We are almost ready to begin construction work to realign Kex Gill, which is amongst the council’s biggest ever infrastructure projects.
“The council has awarded preferred bidder status to John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd, a family-owned international civil engineering and construction contractor with a strong track record.
“We are in the final stages of completing land acquisition processes ahead of a decision on our full business case which was submitted to the Department for Transport in August.
“A decision is expected very soon to coincide with a planned start on site.”
Read more:
- Council warns of ‘high risks’ as Kex Gill cost soars to £69m
- Council sets aside £11m for A59 Kex Gill contingency funding
The project is due to be funded by a £56.1 million grant from the Department for Transport, with the council covering the rest from its reserves.
A further £11 million has been factored into the £68 million budget to cover any issues with ground conditions or bad weather.
It comes as senior county council officials have warned about the risk involved with the authority’s major projects amid soaring inflation.
Gary Fielding, the council’s director for strategic resources, warned previously that the “burden of risk” for major projects, such as the realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill, will fall on the authority amid soaring inflation.
The A59 at Kex Gill, near Blubberhouses, is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton. Since 2000, the route has been closed 12 times following landslips.
The estimated completion date for the scheme is May 2025.
