Major North Yorkshire route to be replaced with new road
68 million pounds will be spent on a new route to replace the A59 at Kex Gill
A new route to replace the A59 at Kex Gill in Skipton has been announced, after landslips led to a number of unplanned closures.
The Government and North Yorkshire County Council have agreed a deal worth ÂŁ68 million that will see work begin later this year on a new road.
It's expected to open in 2025.
The area surrounding the current route has a history of landslips resulting in a number of "costly" and unplanned road closures.
Roads minister Richard Holden said: "Making journeys safer, faster and more reliable for motorists to reduce travel times and help grow the economy is vital.
"The new route at Kex Gill will benefit businesses across the North of England and local towns and villages nearby by boosting economic growth, enhancing connectivity and putting an end to disruptive road closures."
North Yorkshire County Council's executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Keane Duncan said: "The re-alignment of Kex Gill will undoubtedly be one of the council’s most ambitious ever highways projects."
"The A59 provides a very important east-west connection in North Yorkshire and is of national significance."