The government has given the final go-ahead for work to start on a £69 million realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill.
Officials at the Department for Transport have signed off on North Yorkshire County Council’s business case, which will see the landslip-hit road re-routed west of Blubberhouses.
The move comes as the project has been beset by delays and mounting costs due to inflation.
However, work now look sets to start in April on the scheme — three months after the council’s most recent anticipated start date.
Richard Holden, the government’s roads minister, said:
“Making journeys safer, faster and more reliable for motorists to reduce travel times and help grow the economy is vital.
“The new route at Kex Gill will benefit businesses across the North of England and local towns and villages nearby by boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity and putting an end to disruptive road closures.
“Investing in projects like this to provide long-term improvements shows how the government is committed to levelling up transport links with long-term sustainable solutions.”
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 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 attributed to inflation affecting constructions costs.
The project will 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.
The council had previously earmarked groundworks on the project to start in January, but was awaiting sign-off from government on a full business case.
Irish civil engineering and construction firm John Sisk & Son (Holdings) Ltd has been appointed to build the road.
Cllr Keane Duncan, the council’s executive member for highways, said:
“It is welcome news that the government has given us the final go-ahead to begin construction. The re-alignment of Kex Gill will undoubtedly be one of the council’s most ambitious ever highways projects.
“The A59 provides a very important east-west connection in North Yorkshire and is of national significance. We remain committed to completing the scheme as quickly as possible and in the most cost-effective way.”
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.
