Roadworks Alert

Update 13/07/2026

‘What Were They Thinking?’ Drivers Hit by New Harrogate Traffic Chaos as Roadworks Return During Great Yorkshire Show Week

Just when motorists thought the worst was over, temporary traffic lights have returned to one of Harrogate’s busiest roads—right as tens of thousands of visitors arrive for the Great Yorkshire Show.

After more than 18 months of seemingly endless roadworks, closures and traffic delays across the town, drivers are once again facing queues on the A59 Knaresborough Road near Harrogate District Hospital.

Yorkshire Water says the temporary traffic lights are needed for essential repair and maintenance works, but many motorists are questioning why the disruption has been scheduled during one of Harrogate’s busiest weeks of the year.

Why this is causing so much frustration

The works coincide with the Great Yorkshire Show (14–17 July), one of the UK’s biggest agricultural events, bringing huge numbers of visitors to Harrogate and putting extra pressure on already busy roads.

Adding to the congestion, North Yorkshire Council is also carrying out nearby highway maintenance works on Knaresborough Road, meaning multiple traffic restrictions are affecting the same route at the same time.

Expect delays if you’re travelling this week

If you’re heading to the Great Yorkshire Show, Harrogate District Hospital or travelling through the A59 corridor, you should expect:

• 🚦 Long queues and stop-start traffic.
• 🚗 Increased congestion throughout the day.
• ⏱️ Longer journey times, especially during peak hours.
• 🚜 Extra traffic from Great Yorkshire Show visitors.

Motorists are being urged to allow plenty of extra time or consider alternative routes where possible.

Growing criticism over roadwork coordination

The timing has reignited criticism over how roadworks are managed in Harrogate. Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has previously described the coordination of local roadworks as “disastrous”.

In response to ongoing concerns, North Yorkshire Council has secured Department for Transport approval for a lane rental scheme that could see utility companies fined up to £2,500 a day for carrying out works on key routes during the busiest travel periods.

For many drivers stuck in traffic this week, one question is dominating the conversation: couldn’t this have waited until after the Great Yorkshire Show?