FUNDING has finally been rubber stamped to bypass the landslip-prone stretch of the A59 at Kex Gill which links Skipton with Harrogate.

At the weekend Transport Secretary Grant Shapps pledged up to £56 million of investment into the scheme.

The project, almost entirely funded by the Department for Transport and led by North Yorkshire County Council, will see the construction of a new 2.5 mile stretch of carriageway, meaning traffic will no longer need to use the existing section of the route.

The Kex Gill section has caused major disruption in the area for years. It is prone to landslips and road closures - most recently in 2018, which have resulted in high maintenance costs and delayed journey times.

The proposed works will offer a more reliable alternative for road users looking to travel the route, while also meaning traffic will no longer be diverted through nearby towns and villages in the region.

Pending final approvals, construction could begin by this autumn.

North Yorkshire County Council will provide an additional £4million towards the £60 million cost.

North Yorkshire County Council leader Councillor Carl Les said: “We whole-heartedly welcome this announcement. The confirmation of funding is an important milestone towards bringing this much-needed project to fruition. The A59 is a vital east-west connection and a continuing priority for the county council. It is essential for the prosperity of businesses within North Yorkshire and the wider region that this route is safe, reliable and resilient. The current road, with its history of landslips and resultant closures, cannot guarantee those things.”

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, said: “I know that residents have been frustrated by frequent road closures at Kex Gill. Our funding will go a long way towards addressing those problems, making journeys more reliable for people travelling between Harrogate and Skipton."

Julian Smith, MP for Skipton and Ripon, added: “It is excellent news that the Government has pledged up to £56 million for the realignment of the A59 at Kex Gill.

“This permanent solution to this essential part of the highways network is particularly pleasing given the regular closures due to landslips and other safety issues, which has caused so much disruption and congestion over several years.

“I look forward to work getting started.”

Earlier this year, the County Council’s planning committee resolved unanimously to support the planning application for the realigned route.

However, that decision is subject to the outcome of a third party request to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to call in the application for his consideration.

The Minister is being asked to look at the potential for harm to the wider landscape and to the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty including the threat to the future viability of the nationally important mineral deposit of silica sand within the Blubberhouse Moor Estate, which is owned by multinational Sibelco.

Mr Jenrick's decision is still awaited.