CONSULTATION on a £33m realignment of one of the major trans pennine routes across North Yorkshire is being launched by the county council next week.

The A59 at Kex Gill west of Harrogate has been dogged by major landslips causing chaos on the road which last year was closed for eight weeks. Traffic has to be diverted around a six mile diversion through villages which were not designed to take the heavy amount of traffic involved. The route is one of the main east west links through the county.

Plans for a major realignment of the road are being considered with the authority preparing a funding bid to the Department for Transport. As part of that bid they are planning to hold consultations with residents and businesses starting on September 11 with a series of public meetings from September 21.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Highways, said: “The A59 provides a vital link between the east and west of the region through North Yorkshire. Its reliability is crucial for the economic growth of our county as well as the convenience and safety of commuters, visitors and residents."

He said there have been numerous landslips and experts are concerned there is a high risk of further landslips that could lead to long-term closures. He added: “The consultation will be wide-ranging with public events as well as opportunities for people to give their responses online and on paper. Details will be announced shortly, we urge everyone with an interest in the route to take part," Go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/news/article/consultation-be-launched-realignment-a59