Drivers could face pre-Christmas disruption after overnight roadworks have been planned days before Christmas-which could mean an hour diversion for motorists.
The closure, running from 7pm on Monday, December 22 until 6am on Tuesday, December 23, is required for the installation of a new water supply on High Street, Leyburn.
According to information issued to road users, drivers will be sent on a lengthy loop via Market Place, Harmby Road, Conyers Lane, Brompton Road, Bedale Road and Catterick Road, before heading through Richmond and back over the moor via Reeth Road, Walburn Head, Runs Bank and Bellerby Road.
Altogether, the diversion covers 56.95km, with Yorkshire Water estimating it will take around an hour to complete.
For motorists unfamiliar with the area, the route takes in isolated stretches of countryside, steep gradients and narrow roads, raising concerns about night-time travel, especially in late-December conditions, where ice and fog are common in the Dales.
Local delivery drivers, shop workers, and hospitality staff heading home after evening shifts are expected to be particularly affected.
In a message to residents, Yorkshire Water thanked the community for its patience and stressed that the works are unavoidable: “We know roadworks can be disruptive, thank you for bearing with us while we work.
"We carefully plan our work under strict licence from the local authority to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum.”
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The utility company added that the overnight timing is intended to reduce the impact compared to daytime closures when High Street is far busier.
The diversion includes several rural routes where street lighting is limited or non-existent.
Motorists are being encouraged to drive cautiously, check headlights and tyres, and allow extra time if they must travel during the closure.
When will High Street reopen?
The road is scheduled to fully reopen at 6am on December 23, with no further closures listed on the permit.
The works are expected to be completed within that overnight window, though drivers are reminded that unforeseen issues, such as ground conditions or weather, can cause overruns.
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