Cost of repairs to A59 landslip nears £2m

The A59 at Kex Gill has been shut since February due to a landslip

North Yorkshire Council has said work to repair a landslip on the A59 at Kex Gill has so far cost it £1.8m.

The road, which is a vital route connecting Harrogate, Skipton and the Dales, closed suddenly on February 2.

It has led to a lengthy diversion route for motorists through Ilkley which is set to continue until the end of June.

The council said it had agreed to set aside £10m from its reserves to cover the cost of overrunning projects.

Businesses along the A59 have also been counting the cost of the closure, but have seen calls for financial compensation rejected by North Yorkshire Council, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council said contractors were working evenings and weekends to ensure the road reopened before the end of the month.

Corporate director of environment Karl Battersby thanked residents and businesses for their "continued patience" while the "essential work" continued.

He said the repairs were "progressing well", adding: "We still anticipate the road to reopen before the end of June".

The Kex Gill section of the A59 is prone to landslips and last year work began on a major £68.9m realignment of the road, a scheme which is due to be completed in late 2025.

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