The Kex Gill re-alignment project on the A59 has been awarded to John Sisk & Son by North Yorkshire County Council, pending funding approval from the DfT
The Kex Gill re-alignment on the A59 will be delivered by John Sisk & Son, after their recent completion of the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) City Centre Gateways.
North Yorkshire County Council has awarded preferred bidder status to Sisk pending contract award.
This is dependent on funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) who are currently reviewing the Full Business Case with a decision expected in October.
Sisk contractors will move on-site during December 2022 to clear the moorland by late February 2023 to avoid the bird nesting season. An estimated completion date is May 2025.
Recent rises in inflation have impacted the Kex Gill re-alignment project funding
Kex Gill, between Skipton and Blubberhouses, has a history of landslips and over the years there have been many unplanned and costly closures.
These closures impact local businesses, farmers, towns and drivers on or around the A59.
Grant funding was awarded by the DfT at £56.1m against the original budget estimate of £61.6m, with the remainder to be plugged by the county council’s capital reserves.
Following tender returns, the estimated cost of the project has increased by £7.2m to £68.8m as construction markets have seen a huge rise in inflation.
The executive has since approved an increase in its allocated funding from £5.5m to £12.7m, given the DfT grant for the Kex Gill re-alignment is fixed.
Delivering solutions whilst preserving an environmentally sensitive area
Dominic Hodges, managing director UK Civils, John Sisk & Son said: “Sisk is really excited to be delivering this strategically important road scheme in North Yorkshire. The scheme is technically challenging with complex engineering solutions required within an environmental sensitive area.
“We are working collaboratively with all stakeholders to develop an innovative scheme solution and look forward to working with the local community to leave a lasting legacy.”
