Opening of new £82.5m Kex Gill bypass pushed back again after wet weather

The opening of North Yorkshire's new £82.5 million A59 Kex Gill bypass has been delayed for a second time after prolonged periods of wet weather affected the final stages of construction.

The 2.5-mile realigned section of the A59, designed to replace a landslip-prone stretch of road between Skipton and Blubberhouses, had been scheduled to open this week. However, North Yorkshire Council has confirmed that adverse weather has forced a further postponement.

The authority said exceptionally wet conditions have delayed the completion of the remaining works needed before the route can be safely opened to traffic.

Second weather-related delay

The latest postponement follows an earlier delay in June, when persistent rainfall also prevented the project from reaching completion on schedule.

A revised opening date has not yet been confirmed, although the council has indicated it is now unlikely the new road will be operational before the Great Yorkshire Show, which begins on 14 July.

In the meantime, motorists should continue to expect evening closures on the existing A59 while contractors complete final surfacing works. Temporary traffic management, including traffic lights at Blubberhouses, will remain in place until the scheme is finished.

Replacing one of Yorkshire's most unstable roads

Construction of the bypass began in 2023, with the project described by North Yorkshire Council as the most technically challenging highways scheme it has ever undertaken.

The new alignment has been built to avoid one of the most geologically unstable sections of the A59.

Since 2000, the existing route has experienced 15 separate landslips, resulting in repeated road closures, lengthy diversions and repair costs exceeding £6 million.

The new road has been designed to provide a long-term solution by relocating the highway onto more stable ground, significantly improving the resilience of this important east-west transport corridor.

Improving regional connectivity

Once complete, the upgraded route is expected to deliver more reliable journeys between Harrogate, Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales, reducing the risk of disruption caused by future ground movement.

The investment is also intended to improve journey times and strengthen connectivity for residents, businesses and visitors travelling across North Yorkshire.