Stuart Clarkson

10:00am - 2:00pm

Email the studio

Elton John

I'm Still Standing

Listen Live Podcasts

New A59 Kex Gill road set to open this week

Monday, 24 August 2026 07:49

The new A59 Kex Gill road. (Image: North Yorkshire Council)

The new A59 Kex Gill road is set to open to traffic this week as work on the major realignment scheme reaches its latest milestone.

North Yorkshire Council confirmed on Friday that final sections of asphalt surfacing, safety barriers, road markings, reflective cat's eyes and verge topsoiling were almost complete.

The authority said the majority of the new road is expected to open early this week, subject to the remaining work progressing as planned.

A spokesperson said:

"We are pleased to confirm that the final sections of asphalt surfacing, safety barriers, road markings, reflective cat's eyes and verge topsoiling on the A59 Kex Gill realignment scheme have almost been completed."

A short closure of around ten minutes is planned overnight tonight (Monday) and into Tuesday to allow traffic to be transferred from the existing carriageway onto the new road.

The closure has been scheduled when traffic levels are at their lowest and will allow the site team to reposition traffic management before reopening the route on the new carriageway.

Work will continue after the new road opens, including on the eastern and western tie-ins and the reconstruction of Church Hill.

The remaining improvements are intended to reduce the gradient of the existing embankment, improve access to Fewston Reservoir car park and create a safer and more accessible route.

The tie-in works will continue under temporary traffic lights.

The Kex Gill realignment has seen a new section of the A59 constructed between Skipton and Harrogate to provide a more reliable route following a history of landslips and closures on the existing road.

More from Local news

America's Got Talent films at Bolton Abbey with Spice Girls stars

Bolton Abbey has revealed it welcomed the cast and crew of America's Got Talent to the estate for filming earlier this summer.
New children's play area opens at Otley Garden Centre

A new indoor and outdoor children's play area has opened at Otley Garden Centre.
Recycle Day: Ilkley residents urged to donate unwanted items

Ilkley residents are being encouraged to give unwanted items a new lease of life when the town's annual Recycle Day returns next month.
Council considers tougher action on anti-social e-bike use

Bradford Council is considering new measures to tackle dangerous and anti-social use of e-bikes and e-scooters across the district.
Concern over fly-tipping near Airedale Hospital

A pile of waste dumped just yards from a hospital helipad has "potentially put lives at risk" – a Councillor has claimed.
Lifesaving water safety skills event to take place in Ilkley

People in Ilkley are being given the chance to learn potentially lifesaving water safety skills at a special local event.
Annual Golf Scramble ends in nail-biting putting showdown

The annual Ben Rhydding Golf Scramble provided a dramatic finish this week, with the competition decided by a putting contest after two teams finished level following nine holes.
Everything you need to know about the Burley Summer Festival

Burley Summer Festival is set to return tomorrow (Friday) with 10 days of events, activities and entertainment across Burley-in-Wharfedale.
EasyJet announces it will stop flying from Leeds Bradford Airport

EasyJet has announced it will stop flying from Leeds Bradford Airport early next year.
Local bus drivers recognised among Transdev's safest

Five drivers from the Keighley Bus Company have achieved the highest possible ranking in an internationally recognised safety programme.
Alpkit Ilkley to close its doors after five years in the town

Outdoor retailer Alpkit is set to close its Ilkley store later this summer, bringing an end to more than five years on Station Road.
Ilkley residents share concerns over climate change in street survey

Residents in Ilkley have been sharing their views on climate change after three local community groups took their questions to the streets.
Addingham and Ilkley go head to head for charity cricket match

A charity cricket match will bring together teams from Addingham and Ilkley later this month, with money being raised for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
New all-day café and wine bar set to open in Ilkley this September

A new all-day café and wine bar is set to open in Ilkley this September on Cunliffe Road.
Ilkley BID to provide free online training for local businesses

Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID) has partnered with Virtual College to give more than 300 levy-paying businesses access to over 50 online training courses free of charge.
Ambulance called after woman suffers fall at Bolton Abbey

Emergency services were called to Bolton Abbey after a 78-year-old woman suffered a fall yesterday afternoon (Sunday).
Tracy Beaker author announced for 2026 Ilkley Literature Festival

Some of the biggest names in literature, television, sport and entertainment are heading to Ilkley this autumn as the programme for the 2026 Ilkley Literature Festival is unveiled.
Ilkley Pride announces packed programme of events ahead of festive Christmas celebration

Ilkley Pride & Diversity Group is inviting the local LGBTQ+ community and allies to come together at a programme of regular social events over the coming months,
Ilkley business celebrates second birthday with special business brunch

Inspire & Connect Business Networking is celebrating its second birthday with a special brunch event in Ilkley.
Ilkley’s Daredevil Grandma completes two aerobatic wing walks in one day

Ilkley’s 82-year-old “Daredevil Grandma” Valerie Appleton has taken to the skies once again.