Specialist equipment will arrive tomorrow at Kex Gill as investigations continue into the problems that have closed the A59 transpennine link since May 30.

Traffic between Harrogate and Skipton is having to divert through Otley and Ilkley via the A65, A660, A658 and A61. No definite date has yet been set for the road to reopen.

North Yorkshire County Council has arranged for coring equipment to take samples of conditions below the ground.

It has had to wait for the equipment to become available, as demand for its services across the country is high.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways, said: “Unlike earlier closures, this one is not caused by instability in the slope above the highway. It appears to be caused by instability below the highway.

"It is a complex situation and we need to have a complete picture before finalising a way ahead. However, it is a top priority of the county council to fix this problem and to reopen the road as quickly as possible.

“We fully understand the disruption caused to local residents and businesses by this closure, but the safety of the travelling public is our primary concern, so it’s essential that the A59 remains closed at Kex Gill while these further investigations are carried out."

Once the ground studies are completed the council will draw up a scheme to make the road safe so that it can be reopened. It says it will keep local residents fully informed.

The A59 was closed for several weeks after the 2015 floods caused a landslide at Kex Gill.