Alert Roadworks 13.09.2026

Planning to drive around Harrogate, Knaresborough or Ripon this week? A combination of road closures, temporary traffic lights and major engineering projects could add time to your journey.

Drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during the week commencing 13 September 2026. Here are the key locations to know about — plus some welcome news for motorists using the A59 at Kex Gill.

1. Rossett Green Lane, Harrogate – CLOSED

One of the more significant closures in Harrogate is Rossett Green Lane, where sewer connection works are taking place.

The road is scheduled to remain fully closed from 9 September until 28 September.

Drivers who normally use the route should plan an alternative, while surrounding residential roads could become busier as traffic diverts around the closure.

2. Duchy Road, Harrogate – closure continuing

Motorists around the Duchy area should also be aware of the Duchy Road closure, which is expected to continue through 13 September.

Even after work finishes, it is worth checking the latest situation before travelling in case the programme changes.

3. Swan Road, Harrogate – major water works

Swan Road is closed while major Yorkshire Water mains upgrade works are carried out.

Its location close to Harrogate town centre means the closure has the potential to affect more than just Swan Road itself, with additional vehicles using surrounding streets.

If you’re heading into central Harrogate, give yourself extra time.

4. A59 and Tesco Roundabout – expect delays

The A59 corridor around the Tesco roundabout remains another area to watch.

Major engineering works and associated traffic management are continuing, with delays possible on this already busy approach to Harrogate.

Congestion can quickly build during peak periods, so commuters and school-run traffic should consider allowing extra time.

5. Skipton Road – disruption isn’t over yet

Drivers regularly using Skipton Road will need to remain patient.

Restrictions and ongoing works are expected to cause disruption through late November, making this one of the longer-running schemes affecting Harrogate.

The road is a major route into and out of town, meaning delays can also have a knock-on effect elsewhere.

6. Avenue Place, Starbeck – traffic controls

Over in Starbeck, Avenue Place is affected by temporary traffic management.

Alternating traffic controls and give-and-take arrangements mean vehicles may need to wait before passing through the works.

At quieter times, the impact may be limited, but queues can develop quickly when traffic levels increase.

7. Bond End, Knaresborough – four-way lights

Heading into Knaresborough?

Four-way temporary traffic lights at Bond End are causing intermittent delays.

This is an important route through the town, so even relatively short queues can affect traffic on connecting roads.

Allow extra time, particularly during the busiest parts of the day.

8. Wetherby Road, Knaresborough – works near Sainsbury’s

Drivers should also watch for disruption on Wetherby Road, where service works and localised resurfacing are taking place around the Sainsbury’s area.

Temporary restrictions here can create additional congestion for motorists travelling between Knaresborough and the surrounding road network.

9. St Mary’s Gate, Ripon – closure and temporary lights

In Ripon, St Mary’s Gate is another location to keep on your radar.

A road closure and localised temporary traffic lights have been in operation since 7 September.

Anyone heading into or across Ripon should follow temporary signs and be prepared for alternative routes.

10. A59 Kex Gill – finally some good news for drivers

After all those closures and temporary lights, there’s some much better news for motorists travelling between Harrogate and Skipton.

The new A59 Kex Gill bypass is open to traffic following a major three-year construction project costing around £82 million.

The approximately three-mile bypass replaces the notorious landslip-prone stretch of the A59. The old route had suffered repeated problems over the years, making this strategically important east-west connection vulnerable to lengthy closures.

For people travelling from Harrogate towards Bolton Abbey, Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales, the new road should provide a safer and much more dependable journey.

Motorists should still watch for any temporary traffic management associated with finishing works around the project.

Before you set off…

The important thing this week is simple: don’t assume your usual route will take its usual amount of time.

Roadworks can change at short notice because of weather, engineering requirements and the progress being made on individual schemes.

Check conditions before leaving, follow temporary signs and, where possible, give yourself extra time for journeys across Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon.

And while there are plenty of cones and temporary lights to contend with, the opening of the £82 million Kex Gill bypass is a major improvement for one of North Yorkshire’s most important routes.

A few minutes checking your journey before setting off could save considerably more time sitting in traffic.