Repairs to the A59 at Kex Gill, which has been closed following a landslip, have been completed ahead of schedule.
The road has now re-opened to the public after work to remove more than 2,000 tonnes of debris which slipped down from the slope, as well as the installation of 50 metres of new drainage channels and the introduction of about 100 tonnes of clean stone to stabilise the area.
A Harrogate-based contractor, HACS, carried out the extensive works on the problematic stretch of road on behalf of North Yorkshire Council following the landslip in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The work was scheduled to be completed by Wednesday 29th January, but thanks to favourable weather conditions and extended working hours by the contractors, the work has been completed and the road has reopened early.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan, said:
“I am pleased to confirm that work to repair the A59 at Kex Gill, following the landslip on New Year’s Day, has been completed earlier than anticipated.
“I’d like to thank road users and local residents for their patience, and the hard work and commitment of HACS and our own highways team for getting the work completed as safely and as quickly as possible.
“This was the 15th closure since 2000 and emphasises the importance of delivering our £68 million scheme to bypass this problem area and avoid disruptive closures happening in future.”
The realignment of Kex Gill is North Yorkshire Council’s largest ever highways project.
It involves creating a new four-kilometre stretch of road to replace the existing part of the A59 which has been affected by the landslips.
This project is progressing well and we expect the new road to be open next spring.

Flamingo Land stabbing suspect jailed for four and a half years
Discover how retirement is changing with Ilkley & District u3a
Excitement building as Ilkley Live Community Music Festival approaches
Lexus Ilkley Open final wraps a week of world class tennis
Street Hub to replace Grove phone box after appeal
Lexus Ilkley Open delayed by poor weather
Former Lioness travels through Silsden and Addingham as part of Comic Relief challenge
Community singing hub celebrates 10 incredible years through music
RAF Flypast to inspire runners at the Ilkley Half Marathon
Get ready to book for the Summer Solstice Swim
Outside the Box rallies at the Lexus Ilkley Open
All you need to know about the Ilkley Food & Drink Festival this weekend
Explore with The Friends of Ilkley Moor this month
Council says 'fireworks - bang out of order'
Otley Garden Centre unveils plans for new play area
Ilkley councillor asks new Executive committee about financial plans
Ilkley's Summer sporting events need you!
Five ways to support Pride in Ilkley this June
A well-known Ilkley property to go under the hammer
Ilkley Civic Society unveil new Blue Plaque on Wells House


