New £60m route planned for road hit by landslips

A NEW valley road linking North Yorkshire communities could prove a permanent solution to future-proof against the dangers of landslips, MPs have said.

The Department for Transport has announced up to £56m in funding to realign the A59 at Kex Gill, which has long been plagued by landslips and road closures.

The plans, drawn up by North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) which will boost funds up to £60m, would see the route realigned to the other side of the valley.

MPs and councillors welcomed the move which they said could be of benefit not just to local communities but in forging better links across the North.

“This is a critical part of a major cross-Pennine route and as such is important to people who live in the Harrogate and Knaresborough area as well as many other communities,” said Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones, inset.

“It is important, therefore, to make sure the route is safe and future-proofed against the danger of landslips and subsidence.”

Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith said the announcement was “excellent news”.

“This permanent solution to this essential part of the highways network is particularly pleasing given the regular closures due to landslips and other safety issues, which has caused so much disruption and congestion over several years. I look forward to work getting started.”

The stretch of road between Harrogate and Skipton is subject to regular landslips where it runs through Blubberhouses Moor, forcing lengthy closures such as one seen in 2018.

Further landslips remain a risk, NYCC acknowledged in submissions, and plans for a realigned route were unanimously agreed earlier this year.

However, that decision is subject to the outcome of a third party request to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to call in the application for his consideration. The Minister’s decision is awaited.

NYCC leader Coun Carl Les said the funding pledge is an “important milestone” to bring the project to fruition.

Coun Stanley Lumley, who represents Pateley Bridge, said the news will be much welcomed by communities.

“I can’t think of another project that has united everyone,” he added. “The new road will greatly enhance journey safety and reliability.”