Kex Gill

Kex Gill A59 reopening date confirmed as major North Yorkshire road scheme nears completion

The long-awaited A59 Kex Gill road reopening has been confirmed for mid-summer 2026, as the £82.5 million improvement scheme enters its final construction phase in North Yorkshire.

The major A59 realignment project near Blubberhouses, west of Harrogate, was originally due to open in early summer. However, prolonged heavy rainfall between December and February delayed progress on the complex hillside route.

Despite this, North Yorkshire Council says the scheme is now approaching completion, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most important east–west routes.

🚧 A59 Kex Gill roadworks: traffic management and closure dates

Drivers travelling between Harrogate and Skipton should plan ahead as final works continue on the A59:

• Mid-May to mid-June 2026:
  North Moor Road reopens under three-way traffic lights.
  Two-way lights remain at Blubberhouses Bridge during ongoing stabilisation works.
• Early July to late August 2026:
  Church Hill junction with the A59 closes for around eight weeks.
  Diversion route via B6451, Farnley Lane and Newell Carr Road.
• End of August 2026:
  New Church Hill junction layout expected to be completed.
• Final phase (dates TBC):
  Overnight A59 closures for final surfacing works at both ends of the scheme.

Why the A59 Kex Gill upgrade matters

The Kex Gill landslip-prone route has been a long-standing issue for motorists across North Yorkshire.

• The existing road has suffered 15 landslips since 2000
• Repairs have cost over £6 million
• Repeated closures have caused major disruption to commuters and businesses

The new realigned road has been designed to provide a safer, more reliable A59 route, reducing the risk of future closures caused by unstable ground.

A major infrastructure project for North Yorkshire

The Kex Gill scheme is the largest highways project ever undertaken by North Yorkshire Council, highlighting both its scale and engineering complexity.

Located on a key corridor linking Harrogate, Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales, the upgraded A59 is expected to significantly improve connectivity, journey times and resilience for thousands of drivers.

When will the A59 Kex Gill reopen?

Following weather-related delays earlier this year, the official A59 Kex Gill reopening date is now set for mid-summer 2026.

With construction now in its final stages, motorists can expect a fully upgraded and more dependable route to open later this summer.