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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.

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