Sisk Infrastructure has finished the principal stretch of North Yorkshire's new A59 Kex Gill route, with traffic expected to start using the road in the coming weeks, marking a major milestone in North Yorkshire Council's most ambitious highways scheme to date.

The 4.2‑kilometre alignment, created to bypass a section repeatedly hit by landslips, has entered its final phase of construction.

The majority of the new road is anticipated to open by early September, offering motorists a safer and more dependable connection between Harrogate and Skipton.

Lauren Luck, Regional Engineer, Sisk Infrastructure, said: "We are delighted to reach this crucial milestone at Kex Gill.

"The project has presented significant engineering challenges, which our team and supply chain partners have successfully delivered solutions in very difficult terrain with significant environmental considerations to manage.

-- Advertisement --

"We hope that this achievement creates a lasting, positive difference for communities across North Yorkshire."

The project addresses a long‑standing issue: since 2000, the existing A59 at Kex Gill has suffered 15 landslips, incurring more than £6 million in repairs and causing repeated closures.

Most construction is now complete, with only the tie‑ins to the existing road network and final road markings outstanding.

Once these are finished, two of the three carriageways are due to open to traffic before the end of August.

Environmental and community enhancements include more than 12,700 native trees, extensive wildflower planting, habitat creation, balancing ponds and other biodiversity measures to support local wildlife.

The scheme also delivers new routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, plus four kilometres of natural stone walls in keeping with the character of the Nidderdale National Landscape.

Work continues on the final eastern and western connections to the current network, including a redesigned junction at Church Hill, improved access around Fewston Reservoir and completion of landscaping.

Once fully open, the realigned route will divert traffic away from the landslip‑prone section and provide a safer, more resilient link for communities, businesses and visitors across North Yorkshire.