George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Bella Kay

Iloveitiloveitiloveit

Listen Live

Too early to put timeframe on A59 closure, says North Yorkshire Council

Tuesday, 6 February 2024 16:00

A leading figure at North Yorkshire Council has given an update on the emergency closure of the A59 at Kex Gill.

Too early to put timeframe on A59 closure, says North Yorkshire Council A leading figure at North Yorkshire Council has given an update on the emergency closure of the A59 at Kex Gill. The road between Harrogate and Skipton was closed for “safety reasons” on Friday (2nd February). This was due to movement on the slopes around the road caused by sustained periods of wet weather. Traffic has since been diverted via Otley and Ilkley after the edge of the road collapsed. And when asked how long the road will be closed, North Yorkshire Council has said it is too early to tell. Barrie Mason, the council’s Assistant Director for Highways, told Your Harrogate:

“We’re working on what the repair solution is and will be looking to get that implemented as soon as possible so we can open the road as soon as we safely can. “It’s a little too early to confirm when that will be but we’re hoping to be able to update later in the week. “We realise the delays and the inconvenience this causes and we don’t take decisions like this lightly at all. It’s simply not safe to drive along this road.”

Mr Mason explained that the closure was due to “significant amount of rainfall over the last weeks and months” causing land instability in the area. He dismissed claims that the damage was caused by contractors and reiterated it was due to “wet weather and flood water.” Mr Mason also issued a warning to motorists after some were reported to have moved signs and barriers and attempted to use the road. He said:

“Please respect the signs and stay off the road. "It’s closed for a very good reason and we’ll get it open as soon as we can.”

Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

Harrogate taekwondo master awarded MBE for long-standing contribution to sport

Harrogate taekwondo master Kambiz R. Ali has been awarded an MBE in recognition of decades of dedication to sport in the local community.
Harrogate dance group set for world record attempt

A Harrogate dance group will join 1,500 dancers in an attempt to break a world record with chart-topping DJ Sigala.
Gareth Southgate visits popular Harrogate pub

Former England manager Gareth Southgate was spotted enjoying a quiet drink at a popular Harrogate pub this week.
Classic car event set to return to Ripon

A classic car showcase will return to the grounds of Grantley Hall this summer.
Ripon students take alcohol-free campaign to Parliament

Ripon Grammar students have won praise after taking their alcohol-free message to Westminster.
Ripon's Grantley Hall named best place to stay in North and North East

Grantley Hall in Ripon has been named the best place to stay in the North and Northeast.
Harrogate Mayor cuts ribbon at opening of new interior design shop

The Mayor of Harrogate has officially opened a new interior design shop in what was his 100th official engagement.
Celebrity chefs rally for Yorkshire children's cancer charity

Five of Yorkshire’s leading chefs are coming together at Rudding Park for the five-course fine dining event of the year in aid of Candlelighters children’s cancer charity.
Resurrected Bites CEO Michelle Hayes announces departure

Michelle Hayes has announced her departure from Harrogate charity Resurrected Bites as CEO.
Yorkshire residents needed for new series of BBC's Gladiators

Yorkshire residents are being invited to apply for the next series of the BBC's Gladiators.
Harrogate recycling firm tips forecasts with £16.5m turnover despite tough trading

A Harrogate-based independent recycling brokerage has announced revenues of £16.5 million in the year 2024–2025 — surpassing its original £12.5 million projection.
Cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre increases by more than £2m

The cost to upgrade Harrogate Convention Centre has risen by more than £2m, councillors will be told next week.
Taxi policy change could "finish off" industry, councillors warned

A proposed rule change to make taxis more accessible could "finish off" the trade, North Yorkshire councillors have been warned.
Call for decision on Maltkiln masterplan to be delayed

Ambitious plans to create a new village to help meet housing targets in North Yorkshire need further work, it has been claimed.
Ripon pupils raise over £9,000 for Parkinson's charity

Ripon Grammar students have raised more than £9,000 to help support those living with a disease which has touched the lives of many in their school community.
Harrogate Fundraiser to share story of 9,000-mile unsupported bike ride to the himalayas

When Harrogate resident Thorsten Bruce set off on his new touring bicycle last spring, he wasn’t setting out to break records, rather to raise funds for charity and to avoid regretting never having tried.
Harrogate pupils achieve distinctions across the board in drama exams

Pupils at independent prep school Belmont Grosvenor are celebrating after being awarded the highest marks possible in their drama exams – for the second consecutive year.
Harrogate hospital shortlisted for two national awards

A care provider which runs Cygnet Hospital Harrogate has been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s HealthInvestor Awards.
Hampsthwaite school goes red to support children's heart charity

Pupils and staff at Hampsthwaite Church of England Primary School have taken part in a Wear Red Day to raise money for the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund.
Harrogate Convention Centre upgrade reaches new milestone

The project aims to transform Studio Two at the venue to create larger breakout conference rooms.