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10

Mar 2022

Last Updated: 10/03/2022
Transport
Transport

Delayed A59 Kex Gill reroute now set to start next year and finish in 2025

by Calvin Robinson

| 10 Mar, 2022
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The delayed £60 million reroute of the A59 at Kex Gill is now unlikely to start until next year, with work continuing until 2025. North Yorkshire County Council previously said it hoped the reroute would start in autumn last year and take 15 months.

kexgilla59
The A59 at Kex Gill, which is to be realigned after historic problems with landslips.

The delayed £60 million reroute of the A59 at Kex Gill is now unlikely to start until next year, with work continuing until 2025.

North Yorkshire County Council previously said it hoped the reroute would start in autumn last year and take 15 months.

But the council is still negotiating on one remaining objection to compulsory purchase orders it issued for the scheme.

The A59 is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton. A diversion is planned west of Blubberhouses on the A59 at Kex Gill, which has been blighted by a history of landslides and a recent “instability issue” that cost the council £1.4 million to resolve.

Richard Binks, head of major projects and infrastructure at the council, said:

“We remain committed to progressing the essential realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill as quickly as possible.
“Negotiations over the one remaining objection are now in an advanced position and we are confident of a positive resolution in the coming weeks.
“This would enable a contractor to be on site to carry out preparatory work by the end of the year, with main construction beginning early next year. Completion would be scheduled for early 2025.”





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If left unresolved, the objections could lead to a public inquiry - which would delay the start of the project further.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive councillor for access at the council, told a council meeting last year.

“The project programme without a public inquiry indicates that construction could start this autumn (2021). On the other hand, if a public inquiry is required, the start of works could be delayed by up to 15 months.”