The much-anticipated opening of the new section of the A59 at Kex Gill is currently planned to take place on July 6, says North Yorkshire Council.

The 2.5 mile (4km) stretch of road bypasses the landslip-prone section of road between Skipton and Blubberhouses, was due to open this month, but has been delayed because of the ‘exceptionally wet’ winter, says the Craven Herald.

Realignment of the road began in 2023 and has been described as the ‘most ambitious highways scheme ever taken by North Yorkshire Council’ and ‘extremely complex’ due to the nature of the ground at the site.

The new section of the A59 will replace the existing road, where there have been 15 landslips since 2000, causing significant disruption for the public and costing more than £6m to repair.

Located on a key corridor linking Harrogate, Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales, the upgraded A59 is expected to significantly improve connectivity, journey times and resilience for thousands of drivers.

(Picture: North Yorkshire Council)