| View in browserKex Gill update – 03.06.26Welcome to the latest update on the Kex Gill realignment scheme. Works are progressing well, with current activity focused on the two tie-ins with the existing road. At the western tie-in, traffic management has recently changed with North Moor Road open to traffic again. However, access is restricted to traffic approaching from Skipton. A diversion is in place for traffic approaching from Harrogate which requires travelling to Bolton Abbey roundabout. Traffic lights at Blubberhouses Bridge remain in operation to enable ongoing works on the bridge, as well as construction of the embankment at the bottom of Church Hill. The latest phase of the road surfacing has also been completed. This included the installation of base and binder courses over areas spanning the larger underpasses. The majority of the new road has now reached its required level, with only the final surface course remaining. Further wildflower and grass seeding has taken place throughout the site, ensuring we make the most of the season and give the new plants the best possible start. Other ongoing activities include the fit-out of the two underpasses, along with stone facing and dry stone walling along various sections of the route. Installation of carriageway safety barriers and road signage has also commenced. Next phases of the scheme and planned road closures As we move into the final stages of the scheme, a number of temporary restrictions will be required: The existing A59 will remain open although under temporary traffic lights at both ends of the new road alignment. There will be a need for evening closures (programmed for September/October) to allow the final surfacing to be undertaken but these will be limited where possible. The route will remain open to traffic throughout the day albeit restricted to a single carriageway in places. The exact dates of any closures will be advertised when they can be confirmed.North Moor Road reopened on Friday (29 May) with 3-way traffic lights controlling access to and from the A59. However, access is restricted to eastbound vehicles only. Vehicles travelling westbound will have to travel to the roundabout at Bolton Abbey and return along the eastbound carriageway.Two‑way traffic lights remain in place on Blubberhouses Bridge while maintenance works continue.The junction of Church Hill with the A59 will be closed for approximately eight weeks to allow the new layout to be constructed, currently scheduled to begin in early July. A signed diversion will be in place during this time.   Background informationThe A59 Kex Gill realignment is the most ambitious highways project we’ve ever undertaken on one of the country’s most strategically important routes. The current stretch of road has been closed numerous times over the years due to landslips, and this realignment is designed to significantly reduce that risk and provide a safer, more resilient route for the future. Future updatesWe’ll share further updates in the coming weeks as preparations for the opening progress. If you know anyone who would benefit from receiving this newsletter please ask them to get in touch, so that we can add them to the mailing list for future updates.If you’d prefer not to be kept informed about Kex Gill, let us know. You can also read our privacy policy.© 2026 North Yorkshire CouncilWe provide services across North Yorkshire including Bedale, Harrogate, Leyburn, Malton, Northallerton, Pickering, Richmond, Ripon, Scarborough, Selby, Settle, Skipton, Tadcaster, Thirsk and Whitby. |
