PEOPLE are being asked to comment on plans for a new £40 million road to bypass the unstable and currently closed A59 at Kex Gill.

The road between Skipton and Harrogate is temporarily closed while repairs take place after a large crack appeared in the surface of the road at the end of May. North Yorkshire County Council says it hopes the road will be reopened in about two weeks time, but with single lane traffic controlled by temporary traffic lights. A more permanent mend is likely to take place later in the year, following consultation as to the best time, with businesses in the area.

In the meantime, the council has come up with its preferred option for the realignment of the road at Kex Gill, and is preparing to put them on show at a drop in event on Saturday, June 30 at Norwood Social Hall, Broad Dubb Road, Norwood.

Realigning the route to the other side of the valley is part of the council’s strategic transport plan to improve east to west connections between the east coast and Humber ports and Lancashire.

Following a public consultation of the plans last autumn, there has been extensive ground investigations and environmental surveys and discussions with local householders and landowners to understand day-to-day business and personal transport needs.

Cllr Don Mackenzie, the council's executive member for highways, said: “The current closure highlights how important it is to realign the A59 at this point. It is vital for businesses and residents and the county’s wider economic growth. We received a supportive response to our public consultation and are moving ahead as quickly as possible. We want to engage local people throughout the process, keeping them informed and listening to their views, so I hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to examine and comment on the proposals.”

The council's Executive is due to make a decision on the preferred site of the new section of road at its meeting on July 24.

It is currently in discussion with the Department for Transport and subject to the decision on July 24, a full business case for funding will be produced. The council hopes to start work in 2019/20 and estimates the new section of road could take 14 months to complete.

The exhibition of the plans in Norwood on June 30 will take place from 10am to 3pm. Council officers and consultants, WSP, will be there to answer questions. The information will also be available online at: northyorks.gov.uk/kexgill and people can email comments to LTP@northyorks.gov.uk. Anyone unable to access the internet can call 01609 780780 or write to Transport Planning Team, Business and Environmental Services, North Yorkshire County Council, County Hall, Northallerton, DL7 8AD.. The closing date for comments is July 12.