The A59 - a major east-west route across North Yorkshire between Skipton and Harrogate - was closed on August 4 for essential highways works and to investigate ways of reducing the likelihood of future landslips at Blubberhouses. The closure was expected to last two weeks, but in the event the work was completed satisfactorily in six working days.
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Landslips in the area have resulted in emergency closures of the A59 in past years and significant delays and congestion on the surrounding road network.
The maintenance works now completed included carriageway repair and resurfacing work along with signing improvements. The site investigation will help inform a feasibility study being carried out to look at ways of reducing the likelihood of future landslips.
County Councillor John Fort, executive member for highways, said: "This was essential work, not only to keep the road in prime condition for traffic but also to try to avoid future closures as a result of landslips.
"It is a tribute to North Yorkshire County Council's highways department and their contractors that this vital work was completed well ahead of schedule. We strive always to keep traffic disruption to an absolute minimum, and to carry out such an extensive piece of work in little over half the scheduled time demonstrates our commitment to doing all we can to keep North Yorkshire on the move."
(JM/KMcA)
