AFTER being closed for more than four months, the A59 at Kex Gill is to reopen this weekend.

North Yorkshire Council says landslip repairs -  which have cost £1.8million - will be completed ahead of schedule.

The road between Skipton and Harrogate is due to open on Saturday - earlier than planned.

The section of road, which has a long history of landslips, was initially reduced to traffic light-controlled one-lane only on January 25 after a large crack appeared at the side of the carriageway.

A full closure was brought in a week later, coinciding with one of the wettest starts of the year on record.

The prolonged wet weather made conditions even more challenging on the road, which is a key route linking the east and west of the country.

The most effective repair scheme was chosen, which involved the installation of more than 85 metres of steel sheets – known as piles – to create a structural wall.

The road behind the sheet piles was then reconstructed, along with drainage works and the relocation of telephone cables.

This week will see resurfacing take place, with the road expected to reopen on Saturday morning.

Karl Battersby, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, said: “We thank residents and businesses for their continued patience whilst these essential works come to an end.

“During the repair scheme we extended working hours to ensure the road can be reopened as soon as possible.

“Our focus can now turn to the multi-million pound re-alignment project. The latest landslip proves more than ever that the scheme is essential to ensure the future of this key east-west route.”

Kex Gill has a history of landslips and over the years there have been many unplanned and costly closures. They cause an inconvenience for users of the A59, the surrounding towns and villages, and are detrimental for businesses and local farmers.

The re-alignment project involves the creation of a new four-kilometre stretch of road, replacing an existing part of the A59 which has been affected by the landslips.