A59 closure causes long delays

1:25pm Wednesday 6th August 2008

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Drivers have faced long delays this week, with the temporary closure of the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate.

The closure, which came into effect on Monday, is required for highway maintenance and site investigation of the slopes prone to landslips that run alongside the road at Blubberhouses.

The maintenance work includes carriageway repairs, resurfacing and signing improvements while the site investigation will help inform a feasibility study being carried out to look at ways of reducing the likelihood of future landslips.

A signed diversion route via Harrogate, Otley, Ilkley and Skipton has been provided.

Letters have been sent to local residents and businesses that are directly affected by the closure and access is maintained for those properties that are located within the closure itself.

County Coun John Fort, executive member for business and environmental services said: "The site investigation work and highways repairs are being carried out at the same time to minimise the inconvenience and delays experienced by motorists.

"I would ask people to bear with us and observe the diversion routes whilst these essential works are being carried out."

The road is due to reopen next Sunday, August 17.