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.
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