THE A59 at Kex Gill will close at 6.30pm tonight (Friday), after part of the road edge collapsed. 

North Yorkshire Council, which has not said how long the full closure will be, says it is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users.

Two-way traffic lights have been in place since last Thursday afternoon to keep vehicles away from the side of the road for safety reasons and to prevent further movement.

Since then, engineers have been carrying out investigations, monitoring the area and considering the most effective repair scheme.

A council spokesperson said: "There has been further movement of the road caused by poor weather conditions and heavy rain in recent weeks. A decision has been made to fully close the A59 at Kex Gill for the safety of the travelling public.

"A signed diversion will be in place during the closure and highways teams will carry out a repair as soon as possible.

"The council hopes to have further information next week regarding the length of time the closure will remain in place."

A new under construction three mile road to bypass the landslip prone section of the A59 at Kex Gill is due to be completed by autumn, 2025, and is set to cost £68.8 million. It will start close to North Moor Road and finish at Blubberhouses, close to Swinsty reservoir car park. The Department of Transport is providing £56.1m with the remaining money coming from North Yorkshire Council