road closure Archives - Page 3 of 5

‘The lack of communication and transparency over Kex Gill is appalling’

A resident whose house overlooks the A59 at Kex Gill has accused North Yorkshire Council of an “appalling” lack of communication and transparency over the road closure.

The road, which is the main route between Harrogate and Skipton, closed suddenly at Blubberhouses on February 2 when a crack appeared on the verge.

The council blamed a landslip caused by wet weather and in an update a week ago said repair work had yet to begin due to the amount of rain. No indication of timeframe has been given.

Alistair Young, who lives in Blubberhouses, claimed the landslip was due to the nearby £68.8 million road realignment scheme.

He said previous landslips had occurred about half a mile away higher up the gorge rather than in the flatter area where the road is currently blocked.

The scheme has seen the near destruction of Myer’s Wood; Hall Beck is being diverted, and dry stone walls have been moved. Mr Young said he had been informed 20,000 trees, including saplings, had been felled, which would have destabilised the banks of the valley leading down to the road.

Contractors’ lorries continue to use the closed road each day to ferry material from Coldstones Cut quarry near Pateley Bridge to build the new road as well as access roads for construction vehicles. The Stray Ferret saw lorries frequently using the closed road when we visited Mr Young this week.

A contractor driving on the closed road.

Mr Young said contractors from Sisk had taken time to show residents around the site and been helpful.

But he was less complimentary about the council:

“There has never been a landslip down here where we live.

“If you remove a wood on the side of a valley, divert a beck and then condense the land with thousands of tonnes of hardcore it is no surprise when a crack appears.

“For them to say it’s because of heavy rainfall is absolute nonsense.”

Mr Young said he fully supported the £68.8 million realignment, which is mainly being funded by the Department for Transport. But he added it was disingenuous of the council to blame a landslip and rain rather than its own scheme and questioned whether a permanent closure was necessary to all non-works traffic.

He suggested the road could at least open to non-HGVs at weekends, when the contractors don’t use it:

“The lack of communication and transparency is appalling. I can’t get over it. Nobody has spoken to us about it.”

The latest of many landslips

The Stray Ferret put a list of specific questions to the council about Mr Young’s claims, including that 20,000 trees had been lost. It did not give a figure.

But in a general statement, Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment, reiterated previous comments that this was the latest of many landslips in the area and was the “result of the poor weather”.

Mr Battersby, whose response is published in full at the end of the article, said environmental assessments were carried out which included consultation with public bodies, adding:

“Following this consultation, design changes were incorporated to prevent unnecessary removal of mature trees along with tree protection measures and monitoring during the works.

“An agreed mitigation and nature recovery scheme will also be carried out to replace trees, as well as landscaping works such as bridleways and ponds, to revitalise flora and fauna in the valley.”

He said the council was finalising its repair scheme, which will “involve driving long sheets of interlocking steel into the ground to create a continuous structural wall which provides strength and stability. He added:

“When we have the final programme and timescales, we will endeavour to update road users.

“We have looked at opening the road under two-way lights. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the landslip it requires a full road closure until the works are complete.”

Mr Young said the statement was “flawed throughout”. He added:

“They have decided that Kex Gill starts at Church Hill — the road up to our house, then on to Otley — and said there have been 10 closures. But none of these has been on the flat stretch next to Myer’s Wood which has now been destroyed.”

MP Julian Smith visits

Mr Young sad he had also raised concerns with Skipton and Ripon Conservative MP Julian Smith and Cllr Nathan Hull, a Conservative who represents Washburn and Birstwith on the council, but neither had replied. However, he received a response from Mr Smith shortly after the Stray Ferret contacted the MP’s office.

Mr Smith issued a press release on Thursday, which said he had met council chief executive Richard Flinton the previous day “to seek clarity on the progress that has been made to re-open the road as safely and as quickly as possible”.

He said:

“I know that residents and businesses are frustrated with yet another closure of the A59. That’s why it’s so important that the realignment project is completed as quickly as possible.

“This latest closure continues to have a real impact on my constituents, and I will continue to liaise with the council to ensure that their concerns are factored into the decision-making process.

“The damage to the road is extensive, however, and I understand and support North Yorkshire Council’s decision to prioritise the safety of both those working on the repair and future road users.”

The Stray Ferret also contacted Cllr Hull but has not received a response.

Mr Smith (right) at Kex Gill.

Council’s response in full

Karl Battersby, the council’s corporate director of environment, said:

“There have been more than 10 landslips on the A59 at Kex Gill, between Church Hill and North Moor Road, and this latest closure is a result of the poor weather over the past few months.

“February was one of the wettest on record and the persistent rainfall has continued to make the situation worse, with further movement since the start of the closure. Something that has been substantiated by geologists.

“Following a landslip in 2016 – that was also due to heavy rainfall, coupled with unstable land on the hillside – it was determined that full stabilisation of the area would require extensive engineering work. Therefore, a new section of the A59 should replace the existing road, which is now being carried out.

“Further details about this multi-million-pound investment project, which is being predominantly funded by government, can be found on our website here along with the history of landslips in the area.

“Before the realignment project received planning approval, environmental assessments were carried out which included consultation with public bodies, such as the Nidderdale National Landscape (formerly Nidderdale AONB). Following this consultation, design changes were incorporated to prevent unnecessary removal of mature trees along with tree protection measures and monitoring during the works.

“An agreed mitigation and nature recovery scheme will also be carried out to replace trees, as well as landscaping works such as bridleways and ponds, to revitalise flora and fauna in the valley.

“We are currently finalising the programme for the repair scheme, which will include sheet piling and backfilling, to address the slippage and reduce further movement of the carriageway.

“This will involve driving long sheets of interlocking steel into the ground to create a continuous structural wall which provides strength and stability. Once this has been completed, we will be backfilling the excavated area between the sheet piles and the road.

“When we have the final programme and timescales, we will endeavour to update road users.

“We have looked at opening the road under two-way lights. Unfortunately, due to the severity of the landslip it requires a full road closure until the works are complete. Any vehicles that are using the road are doing so under strict traffic management, to prevent any further landslips and ensure everyone is kept safe.

“Until this time, road users are advised to follow the diversion route in place, which is via the A658, A660 and A65 (or by this route reversed). Signage is in place along the diversion and checked regularly, along with additional signage across the area and posts on our social media channels, advising people of the closure at Kex Gill.

“We would again like to thank people for their patience and reiterate that we are doing all we can to complete the repair as quickly and safely as possible.”

Plans submitted to convert Harrogate’s Crescent Gardens to private road

Plans have been submitted to close Crescent Gardens in Harrogate to public traffic.

Harrogate-based property developer Impala Estates bought the former Harrogate Borough Council headquarters alongside the road for £4 million in 2020.

It received planning permission in May last year to turn the building into offices, a roof garden restaurant and gym, and to create a two-storey extension. Work has yet to begin.

The company has now applied for permission to install bollards and planters to convert the public highway into a private road.

If approved, the road would be maintained by Impala Estates for access to the Crescent Gardens development and associated car parking bays.

The area affected would include the Crescent Gardens road and footpath from its intersection with Swan Road to its intersection with Montpellier Road.

According to planning documents submitted to North Yorkshire Council, the application site “excludes the off-carriageway parking bays to the south of the Crescent Gardens roadway with the exception of a small section (essentially two parking bays) located directly between the Crescent Gardens building main entrance and the path opposite into the Crescent Gardens park”.

Planters and retractable bollards, similar to those temporarily installed on Beech Grove in Harrogate, would be installed at either end of Crescent Gardens to prevent public vehicles passing.

The documents add:

“The former Harrogate Borough Council agreed to dispose of the land underlying the Crescent Gardens roadway on the basis that it would be stopped up, with the roadway becoming privately owned and associated with the Crescent Gardens development.

“It is also understood that the local highway authority has no objection in principle to the Crescent Gardens roadway being stopped up.”

An impression of how the redeveloped site would look.

James Hartley, director of Impala, told the Stray Ferret,

“The road was discussed at the time of the sale and has been approved by the council at committee. As part of the process, we have been working with the Department for Transport on the stopping up order and North Yorkshire Council on the submitted planning application.

“The changes to the road will assist in the construction of Crescent Gardens along with providing the building with a well-managed and enhanced setting once the works have been undertaken. This will link the building better with the gardens opposite, achieving a clear public benefit.”

Asked if the company’s plans for the redevelopment of Crescent Gardens had changed, or if a starting date was known, Mr Hartley said:

“Nothing has changed with the broader redevelopment, we are working hard with our design team to develop out the design allowing it to go out to tender.”

Harrogate road to close to traffic for week

A Harrogate town centre road is to close to traffic for a week from Thursday morning.

Northern Gas Networks announced the closure of Montpellier Gardens today as part of its ongoing seven-week programme of work in the area.

The street, which links The Ginnel and Montpellier Road, was not due to close.

But Northern Gas Networks, which is responsible for distributing gas, blamed “incorrect information on plans and the location of the gas main” as the reason for the decision.

However, the four-way lights at the end of Parliament Street will be removed the following day.

Mark Mawhood operations manager at gas distributor Northern Gas Networks, said:

“I can confirm that the works on the four-way lights at Crescent Road/Parliament Street/Ripon Road/King’s Road will be completed and all traffic management removed by Friday.

“We are now moving onto Montpellier Road and the roundabout. A road closure will need to be in place on Montpellier Gardens from Thursday morning (October 19) for one week.

“There will be a diversion in place via Montpellier Street, we will also need to reverse the one-way system.

“Please note that Montpellier Car Park and businesses can be accessed using the diversion route.”

A Northern Gas Networks map showing the traffic arrangements.

Mr Mawhood said all businesses and residents in and around the diversion and road closure have been informed with a hand delivered letter and a diversion plan.

He added:

“The closure was not originally planned; this is due to incorrect information on plans and the location of the gas main.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused; however, it is essential that we carry out these works to ensure the to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area.”

Harrogate road to be closed for another six months

A busy Harrogate road is to remain closed for another six months.

Vehicles have been blocked from crossing the bridge where Kingsley Road meets Bogs Lane since November last year.

Besides serving the Kingsley area, the road is also used as a cut-through to avoid congestion on the main A59 Knaresborough Road.

The road was due to re-open to through traffic on November 3 but North Yorkshire Council, the highways authority, has now said the traffic order will remain in place until May.

The order was issued to enable work on the 133-home Redrow homes site Kingsley Manor to take place.

But in an email seen by the Stray Ferret, the council said Barratt Homes —which built the nearby Kingsley Meadows development — had not fulfilled an obligation to build a footway along Bogs Lane to make the area safer for pedestrians.

The email said:

“Unfortunately following a meeting with Barratts last week, we have been informed that their internal commercial processes would not allow them to award a works contract to the contractor who is currently working in the area and forming the Redrow site access.”

The email adds the council had therefore extended the temporary road closure “to ensure the road does not open until a footway is constructed allowing safe pedestrian access”.

By May, the road closure will have lasted for 18 months — the maximum legal time.

There appears no guarantee, however, the footway will be finished by then.

A spokesperson for Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire East, said:

“In 2019, we agreed a plan with North Yorkshire County Council for new pathways on Kingsley Road. However, the council has now requested that a revised plan is put in place because another developer is also building homes in the area, creating the need for further road improvement works.

“While we are not legally required to do the more extensive road improvement works, we have agreed to go out to tender to get costs for doing this work and intend to make a contribution towards it.”

A local resident, who asked not to be named, said the situation typified the ‘act now, think later’ approach to development in the area over the last six years.

They said:

“Bogs Lane is an unclassified country lane yet it was deemed safe by highways for the development and entrances of five major construction sites.

“No thought was put into the safety of the current and thousands of future residents. Highways were warned over six years ago of the dangers on Bogs Lane and it took them nearly five years to act and then only due to repeated complaints of incidents and near serious accidents.”

A familiar site on Kingsley Road.

Cllr Chris Aldred, a Liberal Democrat who represents High Harrogate and Kingsley, said:

“While it’s disappointing that Barratts internal processes don’t enable them to work speedily with the Redrow contractors to provide the long awaited and much needed footpath, which myself and council officers have been pressing for, I agree with the officers that it better for the road to remain closed to cars – pedestrians and cyclists are still able to use it, as they have been doing for the last year of course – until the safe footpath is in situ.

“I am very conscious that when the road eventually does reopen to vehicles we do not want a return to the infamous Kingsley rat run, which has knock on effects for all the residential roads leading to Kingsley Drive from Knaresborough Road and need to make this link safe for all users of the road, particularly bearing in mind there is bound to be increased vehicle use by residents living in the new developments.

“It’s important the footpath is in place prior to the road reopening to vehicles.”

Five-week road closure begins today at A59 Kex Gill

A five-week road closure has come into effect on the A59 at Kex Gill between Harrogate and Skipton today.

North Yorkshire Council has closed the road between Church Hill and Pace Gate, leading to lengthy diversions.

The council has said the closure will enable it to carry out resurfacing, essential stabilising work to the slope of the existing road as well as drainage repairs, gully-clearing, cat’s eyes replacement and maintenance of ground monitoring equipment.

A diversion will take drivers through Pool in Wharfedale and Otley before re-joining the A59. A full diversion route can be found on the North Yorkshire Council roadworks map.

The DalesBus 59 between Harrogate and Skipton will also run on an amended timetable from October 14 until November 11.

Buses will run twice a day in each direction on Saturdays only during the period of the closure and will operate from Harrogate through Otley and Ilkley before joining the A59 near Chelker Reservoir.

Work will take place on a section of the A59 which is next to the council’s £68.8 million Kex Gill re-route project.

Council officers will also be carrying out essential stabilising works to the slope of the existing road as well as drainage repairs, gully-clearing, refreshing lining, replacing cat’s eyes and maintenance of the ground monitoring equipment.

Cllr Keane Duncan, executive councillor for highways and transport at the council, said:

“Kex Gill has a history of landslips, and the route has had to be closed a total of 12 times in the past 22 years. We must stabilise the slope near the existing road to avoid any lengthy closures over the next two years whilst the new road is constructed.”

Flood-hit road near Ripon set to reopen on Friday

A flood-hit road near Ripon is expected to reopen to traffic on Friday.

A section of Dishforth Road on Sharow Lane closed on Monday following a burst water main.

The incident caused some of the carriageway to collapse, leaving a hole in the road.

It means motorists travelling to and from Ripon and up to the A1 are having to use alternative routes along Berrygate Lane and New Road at Sharow and through Copt Hewick to avoid the blockage while workmen carry out repair work.

The road on Monday

The road remains closed today but a Yorkshire Water spokesperson said:

“A team was sent to Dishforth Road to complete a repair following a leak.

“The repairs are underway, and we expect the road to be reinstated and opened on Friday.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this has caused we thank customers for their patience.”

Road closed after collision in central Ripon

A main road through Ripon is closed this morning as emergency services deal with a collision.

North Yorkshire Police, along with ambulance crews and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services, are at the scene of the two-car collision on Bondgate Green between Ripon Bowling Club and Ripon Builders Merchants.

The road is currently blocked and vehicles are being diverted onto other routes while the scene is cleared.

There is not yet any information about whether anyone has been injured.

The Stray Ferret will post further updates as they become available.

Police close A61 after serious collision south of Harrogate

The A61 south of Harrogate has been closed this afternoon as police deal with a serious collision.

The road is closed between Swindon Lane near Kirkby Overblow and the A659 Otley Road near Arthington, at the bottom of Harewood Bank by the bridge over the River Wharfe.

The collision reportedly happened in the early hours of this morning and the road has been closed all day.

Neither North Yorkshire Police or West Yorkshire Police have issued any details about the incident or the closure, which is near the boundary between the two counties.

The closure is affecting public transport, with the 36 bus between Harrogate and Leeds having to divert from its stops at Walton Head Road, Rigton Lane End, Kirkby Overblow Lane End, Dunkeswick Lane End and Harewood Bridge.

The Harrogate Bus Company has issued advice to passengers, saying:

“There are no alternative stops due to the length of diversion for this route.

“Customers wanting to get to and from these stops will need to find an alternative way of travel as the bus cannot get to these stops.”

Drivers are also being diverted away from the scene, via either Otley or Wetherby.

Bridge near Harrogate closes suddenly after crack appears

A bridge in a village near Harrogate closed suddenly yesterday after a crack appeared.

A two-inch wide gap appeared at the side of the bridge on the edge of Hampsthwaite. It is possible to look through the gap and see the River Nidd.

The issue was reported yesterday on the Hampsthwaite Village Facebook group and later that day the bridge was closed to traffic.

The closure was unannounced by North Yorkshire Council, which is the highways authority.

The bridge between Hampsthwaite and Clint

A long crack has appeared

The bridge, on Church Lane, carries traffic between Hampsthwaite and Clint.

A North Yorkshire Council spokesperson said:

“The bridge has been closed due to structural concerns. We will be assessing it today and will provide an update.”

Knaresborough junction to be closed from this weekend

Four weeks of roadworks will begin in central Knaresborough this weekend as Northern Powergrid installs new electricity cables.

The work will take place on King James Road and York Place from Saturday, May 27.

With a trench set to be dug in the carriageway on King James Road, its junction with York Road will be closed until Monday, June 5.

Temporary three-way traffic lights will be installed, with a barrier around a temporary footpath, at the junction.

Work will also be carried out on the pavement between the pedestrian crossing and the footpath towards the cemetery.

From June 5, the junction will be reopened under four-way temporary lights until the expected completion date of Tuesday, June 20.

Northern Powergrid’s connections delivery project engineer Richard Appleyard said:

“Investment work is vital to connect customers to our network and although unavoidable, we do appreciate it can be very disruptive and every effort will be made to keep this disruption to a minimum.

“Our teams will endeavour to ensure access is maintained to properties in the area at all times and we thank local residents and the local community for their patience and co-operation whilst the connection work takes place.”

The company said it had notified nearby customers, including King James’s School and Knaresborough Swimming Pool, about the plans.

The new Knaresborough Leisure and Wellness Centre is currently under construction adjacent to the existing swimming pool, with work expected to continue until its opening date in November. The old pool is set to be closed in September for the final phase of the project.

For more information about the road closures, contact Northern Powergrid on 0800 011 3332 or email generalenquiries@northernpowergrid.com.

The latest of many landslips

MP Julian Smith visits

Council’s response in full

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