Revealed - whopping 214 Harrogate roads repaired during Covid year

But, as well as the disruption of closures and temporary traffic light systems caused by utility companies upgrading internet connections, hundreds of Harrogate's roads themselves are actually being improved this year, says North Yorkshire County Council.

It seems the county's highways department, which is responsible for Harrogate's roads, has been busier than ever during Covid.

Writing today in this regular column in the Harrogate Advertiser, leading county councillor Don Mackenzie reveals that a total of 214 streets in Harrogate have been surface-dressed with many of these also re-lined.

Coun Mackenzie said: "A few roads still have lining to be completed, mostly because parked vehicles had hampered operations.

"Patching work is still taking place on roads like Leadhall Lane.

"A major resurfacing scheme for Leeds Road remains outstanding, but this contract will be awarded shortly, the work to be carried out before the end of the financial year."

Coun Mackenzie, the county council's executive member for access, roads and transport, also said that work to upgrade the junction of the A59 and the A1M has now started.

This scheme, valued at £8m, includes adding an east-bound lane from the Flaxby roundabout to the junction, widening of motorway slip roads, adding traffic lights at the roundabout and at the T-junction to the east where the A168 joins the A59.

The county council also remains confident that its bid to the Department for Transport, backed by a strong business case, for £55m for the re-alignment of the A59 at Kex Gill, will be successful.

A planning application for this is due to be submitted next month.

If the Secretary of State decides no public inquiry is necessary, construction work could start in early 2021.

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