Traffic restrictions on a section of road with a history of landslips and instability are expected to be lifted at the beginning of December as work on the major road improvement scheme nears completion.
North Yorkshire Council says the construction phase of the £82.5m project is drawing to a close, with contractors aiming to remove all remaining traffic management measures within the next few weeks.
However, motorists face a final series of overnight closures until November 27 to allow resurfacing and road marking work to be completed.
Read more
York residents urged to check CCTV after overnight scooter theft
Murder accused were 'laughing' after girl stabbed in fight over boy, court hears
Chief minister statement after King Charles removes five honours
'Every mother’s worst nightmare’- Mum’s thanks as York rallies for son shot in Krakow
The update is contained in a report from Cllr Malcolm Taylor, North Yorkshire Council's executive member for highways and transportation, which will be presented to the authority's full council meeting on Wednesday, November 18.
The majority of the new road alignment opened to traffic on August 25, although temporary speed restrictions have remained in place while construction work continues.
Since then, contractors have been concentrating on completing the two sections connecting the new route to the existing A59, along with the construction of a box culvert.
The work has required the closure of the old section of the A59 to allow construction activities to be carried out safely.
Cllr Taylor's report states: "Progress continues to be made across all remaining elements of the scheme, with the contractor's programme indicating that all traffic management associated with the project is expected to be removed at the beginning of December."
The report adds that the overnight closures scheduled throughout November are necessary to complete the final surfacing and road markings.
However, the council warns that the programme remains dependent on suitable weather conditions and dates could change if the work cannot be carried out safely.
The site compound at Sibelco Quarry is also due to be removed at the beginning of December, marking another step towards the project's completion.
Other outstanding work includes finishing drystone walls and fencing, decommissioning disused sections of the former A59 and completing surfacing on parts of the new bridleway network.
Landscaping and other finishing work will also continue over the coming weeks.
The Kex Gill improvement scheme involves diverting the A59 onto a new alignment to avoid the section of road that has suffered repeated closures because of landslips.
The route is an important link between Harrogate and Skipton, and the new alignment is intended to provide a more reliable connection for motorists and businesses.
The council says further newsletters will be issued to keep local communities and road users informed about the remaining overnight closures.
Electronic signs will also be placed along the A59 to give drivers advance warning and allow them to plan alternative journeys.
Subject to weather conditions and the completion of the remaining work, the removal of traffic management in early December will mark a significant milestone for the long-running project.
Share