Main contractor decided for the re-alignment of the A59 at Kex Gill, mid-way between Skipton and Harrogate as North Yorkshire County Council chooses John Sisk & Son.
The plan is to re-route a section of the road through Blubberhouses Moor. It is anticipated that contractors will move on site during December 2022 ready to clear the moorland by late February 2023 in order to avoid the bird nesting season. Final confirmation is awaited from the Department for Transport (DfT) who are currently reviewing the full business case. Completion for the project is planned for May 2025.
Kex Gill, situated between Skipton and Blubberhouses is well known for landslides resulting in many unplanned and costly closures. The route is known to have been closed 12 times since 2000.
DfT approved grant funding of £56.1m last year, against the orignal budget estimate of £61,6m and the remainder is to be funded by the county council’s capital reserves.
The estimated cost of the project has increased by £7.2m to £68.8m due to inflation. An increase it its allocated funding from £5.5m to £12.7m given that the DfT grant is fixed has been approved by the county council executive.
The County Council say that there is now light at the end of the tunel with the project as the preferred contractor and start date is decided.
The re-aligned route which will leave the A59 at North Moor Road and then re-join the existing road at Blubberhouses will be safe and reliable for businesses, residents and visitors for many years to come.