North Yorkshire’s highways chief has said he is hopeful that a £60 million project to realign Kex Gill will go ahead without a public inquiry.
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.
Following the publication of compulsory purchase orders, the council was faced with two objections which, if unresolved, could have led to a public inquiry.
However, Cllr Don Mackenzie, executive member for access at the county council, told the Stray Ferret the authority had now resolved one of the complaints.
He said:
“I’m very confident it will avoid an inquiry.”
Cllr Mackenzie previously told the Stray Ferret that he did not see the objections as a “severe risk” to the project.
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- Public inquiry could delay £60m Kex Gill scheme by 15 months
- A59 Kex Gill ‘instability issue’ cost council £1.4 million
He added that once construction started on the project, work could take up to 18 months to complete.
However, a start date for the scheme has yet to be confirmed.
Barrie Mason, assistant director of highways and transportation at North Yorkshire County Council, said the authority intended to progress the scheme “as soon as possible”.
He said:
“We remain committed to progressing the essential realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill as quickly as possible.
“The route is a vital east-west link within North Yorkshire, as well as into West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Humber ports, so we are pressing ahead with this scheme to provide a safe, reliable route for residents, businesses and visitors.
“However, there are statutory processes that must be completed before we can move to the next stage of the project. We are currently progressing through these processes. Subject to their satisfactory completion, we will move forward with the scheme as soon as possible.”
