Motorists, businesses, and local communities in North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a new route that will replace the A59 at Kex Gill, thanks to a government investment of £56 million. This announcement was made on 23rd February by the roads minister, Richard Holden, who met with representatives from North Yorkshire County Council and Transport for the North in Yorkshire to discuss the upgrade.
The A59 at Kex Gill has a history of landslips, resulting in costly and unplanned road closures. To address this problem, the government has allocated £56 million in funding to develop a new route to replace this section of the A59. The total cost of the project is £68 million, with the remaining costs paid by North Yorkshire County Council.
The new route is expected to provide a vital east-to-west link, connecting the towns of Harrogate and Skipton, and boosting economic growth for businesses across the north of England. It will also enhance connectivity and put an end to disruptive road closures, benefiting local towns and villages nearby.
The project is recognized as an important route in the region, and the government’s investment is part of its commitment to enhancing connectivity on the road network. Over £59.9 million in funding has been allocated to local authorities across the region to support highway maintenance, pothole repairs, and local transport measures.
According to the roads minister, Richard Holden, making journeys safer, faster, and more reliable for motorists to reduce travel times and help grow the economy is vital. Investing in projects like this, which provide long-term improvements, shows how the government is committed to leveling up transport links with long-term sustainable solutions.
The North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan, welcomed the government’s investment, saying that the re-alignment of Kex Gill would undoubtedly be one of the council’s most ambitious ever highways projects. He also confirmed the council’s commitment to completing the scheme as quickly as possible and in the most cost-effective way, while minimizing the impact on the environment and those residing in nearby towns and villages.
Works on the project are set to commence later this year, and the new scheme is expected to open in 2025. This investment will undoubtedly have a positive impact on motorists, businesses, and local communities, providing a safer, faster, and more reliable route, and boosting economic growth in the region.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
