HANSARDCommons20 Nov 20255 contributions

A59 Kex Gill Bypass

Sir Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con)
ConservativeSkipton and Ripon
2. What discussions she has had with North Yorkshire council on the progress of the development of the A59 Kex Gill bypass.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Simon Lightwood)
Labour (Co-op)Wakefield and Rothwell
The A59 Kex Gill bypass scheme has been subject to delays and increased costs because of design changes, poor ground conditions and further landslips on the A59. The scheme is overseen by the Conservative-run North Yorkshire council, which provides regular reports to the Department on its progress.
Sir Julian Smith
ConservativeSkipton and Ripon
This link is vital for east-west transport. I urge Ministers to talk more frequently with the council, because the cost overruns are now becoming quite a challenge for it, and it is vital that we get the project completed.
Simon Lightwood
Labour (Co-op)Wakefield and Rothwell
Under the major road network programme, once the Department has approved a scheme and agreed its funding contribution, covering any cost increases is entirely a matter for local authorities. The Department has provided over £56 million towards A59 Kex Gill, and no further funding is available, but of course I would be happy for my Department to provide advice to the Conservative-run council on how to deliver the scheme with the funding provided.