CONTRACTORS are now being invited to tender for the £60m scheme to realign the A59 at Kex Gill following a series of landslips in recent years.

Following the confirmation of government funding and planning approval earlier this year, the invitation to tender marks the latest stage in the work to secure this major trans-Pennine route for generations to come.

The work 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 A59 between Harrogate and Skipton is an important east-west link not only within North Yorkshire, but also into West Yorkshire, Lancashire and Humber ports.

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.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said: “We are pushing forward with this scheme to provide a safe, reliable route for residents, businesses and visitors.

“This stretch of road has experienced closures in recent years because of land slips. These have disrupted travel, enforced long diversions and been costly. The realignment of the route will provide much better connectivity for all road users.”

Cllr Stanley Lumley, Member for Pateley Bridge division, added: “This is another step towards the delivery of this long-anticipated scheme. Locals, commuters and visitors will all benefit from enhanced safety and reliability of the road. We look forward to work beginning.”

Funding was rubber-stamped back in February to by-pass the route with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps pledged up to £56 million of investment into the scheme.

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

When news of the funding was made Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith said: “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.

“I look forward to work getting started.”

The County Council is aiming to start construction of the scheme on site as soon as possible. Work could start as early as autumn this year, but this is subject to satisfactory completion of all the necessary statutory processes.