Pete Egerton

10:00am - 1:00pm

Email the studio

Nik Kershaw

Wouldn't It Be Good

Listen Live

New road at Kex Gill opens to traffic

Tuesday, 25 August 2026 09:20

Traffic using the new road on the A59 at Kex Gill. (Images: North Yorkshire Council)

The new A59 route at Kex Gill has opened to traffic following the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council.

The majority of the new 4.2-kilometre road opened today (Tuesday 25th August), providing a more reliable connection between Harrogate and Skipton.

It replaces a section of the A59 which has suffered 15 landslips since 2000, resulting in repeated closures and more than £6million in repair costs.

Councillor Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, said:

“This is a moment that we have been aiming for throughout such a complex and detailed highways project.

“It will bring major benefits for communities in the county as well as across the North of England as it is such an important route.

“The opening of the new road is testament to the dedication, tenacity and hard work of everyone involved in ensuring this project has become a reality.”

Most of the construction work has now been completed, although connections to the existing road network and landscaping work are still to be finished.

A temporary 30mph speed limit will remain in place while the remaining work is carried out.

Two of the road’s three lanes are currently available, with the third designed as a crawler lane for slow-moving traffic.

More than 12,700 native trees have been planted across the site, alongside wildflowers, wildlife habitats and balancing ponds.

The scheme also includes new routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, as well as four kilometres of natural stone walls.

The A59 provides a major east-to-west link between the A1(M) and M6, connecting communities and businesses across North Yorkshire and northern England.

More from Local News

Harrogate food hall launches unique pickle-filled Christmas hamper

Harrogate food hall Weetons has launched a Christmas hamper dedicated to pickle lovers.
North Yorkshire councillors could receive 2.6 per cent allowance rise

North Yorkshire councillors could see their annual basic allowance rise to £18,431 under proposals due to go before the council.
Plans for new multi-billion pound approach to care services

Care services across North Yorkshire could be transformed under new proposals worth an estimated £3.5 billion over seven years.
Allerton Castle Christmas experience set to return

Father Christmas and Tinsel the Elf are returning to Allerton Castle this December for four days of festive adventures.
Ryanair announce new flights from Leeds Bradford Airport

Ryanair has announced four new routes from Leeds Bradford Airport for summer 2027.
Starbeck Badger of the Year shares lifesaving skills with classmates

A 10-year-old St John Ambulance Badger has helped teach 30 classmates lifesaving first aid skills at a Knaresborough primary school.
Leeds Bradford Airport strikes suspended as fresh pay talks planned

Planned strikes at Leeds Bradford Airport have been suspended to allow fresh negotiations over pay.
Irving Weaver appointed Life President of Harrogate Town AFC

Former Harrogate Town AFC chairman and owner, Irving Weaver, has been appointed Life President of the club in recognition of his 15 years of service.
Farm near Ripon scoops national farming award

A family farm near Ripon has been named Regenerative Farmer of the Year at the British Farming Awards.
WATCH: Magical woodland trail to support Masham primary school

A magical autumn trail has launched at Swinton Bivouac to raise money for Masham CE Primary School.
Fountains Abbey prepares to host two-day Christmas market

A two-day Christmas artisan market is returning to Fountains Abbey next month.
New society aims to revive Harrogate's spa heritage

A new organisation has launched with an ambition to revive Harrogate’s spa heritage and shape its future as “Britain’s Living Spa”.
Inherited jewellery: where do you start?

A jewellery box left behind by a parent or grandparent can be one of the hardest things to deal with after a loss.
Man found dead at property on Franklin Road in Harrogate

A man in his 50s has been found dead at a property on Franklin Road in Harrogate.
Killinghall Village Hall goes greener with £27,000 improvement project

Killinghall Village Hall has completed a £27,000 project to reduce its energy use and running costs.
Driver caught at 131mph ordered to pay over £1,500 at Harrogate court

A motorist caught driving at 131mph on a North Yorkshire dual carriageway has been ordered to pay £1,551 at Harrogate Magistrates’ Court.
Knaresborough toilets upgraded after recent vandalism

New doors have been installed at public toilets in Knaresborough following a recent spate of vandalism across the town.
Knaresborough Scarecrow Trail to return this half term

Families are being invited to find 18 scarecrows around Knaresborough during the October half-term holiday.
Yorkshire residents invited to apply for BBC's The Traitors

Yorkshire residents who think they can spot a liar – or keep a secret themselves – are being invited to apply for The Traitors.
North Yorkshire recycling centres could face closure

Mini recycling centres in North Yorkshire could face closure as the council considers whether the facilities are still needed following improvements to household recycling collections.