1 Roadworks Alert

1 Roadworks Alert Drivers across Harrogate, Boroughbridge, Knaresborough, Masham and Ripon are advised to expect roadworks-related delays, including temporary traffic lights, lane restrictions and road closures.
Check the latest live traffic updates and plan your journey here:
https://www.theaa.com/route-planner/traffic-news/Harrogate

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Roadworks in North Yorkshire: what’s changing — and why it matters to you

If you’ve ever sat in traffic wondering why roadworks always seem to happen at the worst possible time, a new scheme approved for North Yorkshire could soon make a noticeable difference.

🚧 What’s happening?

Utility companies may soon be charged for carrying out roadworks during peak hours on the county’s busiest roads.

The move follows approval from the Department for Transport for North Yorkshire Council to introduce a lane rental scheme — a system already used in London and Kent to cut congestion.

💷 How the scheme works

  • Companies could be charged up to £2,500 per day

  • Fees apply when works take place at peak times

  • Charges encourage:

    • shorter roadworks

    • better coordination between firms

    • work outside rush hours

👉 In trials elsewhere in England, congestion dropped significantly as firms changed when — and how — they worked.

🛣️ Which roads are affected?

Not every road will be covered.

  • North Yorkshire’s road network: ~5,800 miles

  • Roads included in the scheme: about 7%

  • That’s nearly 500 miles of key routes, chosen specifically to minimise disruption

So the focus is on the roads that matter most for commuters, businesses and town centres.

🗣️ What the council says

Councillor Malcolm Taylor, executive member for highways and transport, said the council is pleased to finally move forward after applying last April.

“Charging for the time roadworks are in place means we can provide incentives to complete the work quickly and outside of peak times.

We hope the lane rental scheme will reduce unnecessary disruption to all road users travelling across our vast road network.”

🛍️ Why local businesses are backing it

Roadworks don’t just slow traffic — they can hit footfall, access and essential services.

Martin Mann, chief executive of the Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce, said poorly timed works can put people off visiting high streets altogether.They could affect retail and hospitality businesses, carers travelling between clients, and those who rely on services most.

We support any scheme that improves the timing of works, particularly outside opening hours, to help local businesses thrive.”

🌱 What happens to the money?

Any surplus raised won’t disappear into a central pot.

It will be:

  • reinvested in highways maintenance

  • used on measures to reduce future disruption

⏰ When could this start?

The scheme could be live as early as spring, meaning drivers, residents and businesses may start seeing changes later this year.

In short:
Fewer peak-time roadworks.
Less congestion on key routes.
Better access for towns, high streets and essential services.

Major roadworks in early 2026 are causing significant disruption in Harrogate (Otley Road/Prince of Wales roundabout), Knaresborough (Bond End), and on the A59 at Kex Gill.

Here are the latest roadworks in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon based on the current local traffic updates and council information that I have found on the internet:  at 13.56 on 25.01-26 – You can always double-check at

🔧 Harrogate

  • Otley Road closure — A section of Otley Road is closed for significant utility works by Northern Powergrid, running 5 Jan – 15 Feb 2026 (with diversions in place).

  • Temporary traffic lights & works in town centre — Other junctions around Harrogate (e.g., Cold Bath Road, Harlow Moor Road, Skipton Road) continue to have temporary lights or disruption as part of ongoing upgrades/roadworks.

  • Ripon Road works (Harrogate section) — Roadworks on Ripon Road have been present in recent months, with temporary lights affecting traffic near storage and other junctions.

🚧 Knaresborough

  • Temporary lights on Harrogate Road in Knaresborough — Scheduled earlier in January for electrical/utility works (5 – 13 Jan).

  • Other disruption hotspots — Localised temporary lights and closures on nearby roads such as Thistle Hill and Bondgate Green affecting journeys in and around Knaresborough.

⚠️ Ripon

  • Roadworks & temporary lights — Several spots around Ripon are showing active temporary traffic lights and potential road closures (e.g., Bondgate Green and other local points).

 

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Motorists warned of disruption as major Otley Road works begin

Drivers across Harrogate and Knaresborough are being urged to plan ahead as a packed programme of roadworks gets underway in the New Year — including a six-week closure on Otley Road that is expected to cause significant delays at peak times.

Otley Road closure (5 January – 15 February 2026)

A section of Otley Road will be closed from Monday 5 January until 15 February while Northern Powergrid carries out further upgrades to its 33kV electricity network. The scheme is being delivered by Balfour Beatty.

  • Temporary traffic lights will also be in operation at the Prince of Wales roundabout, affecting routes linking Otley Road, Leeds Road, West Park and York Place.

  • Drivers should expect queueing during morning and evening rush hours, with knock-on effects on surrounding residential streets.

Public transport & access

  • Bus services using Otley Road may be diverted or delayed, with temporary stops in place while the closure is active. Passengers are advised to check operator updates before travelling.

  • Pedestrian access will be maintained wherever possible, although short diversions may be required at different stages of the works.

  • Local businesses along Otley Road will remain open, but customers are encouraged to allow extra time for access and deliveries.

Other Harrogate & Knaresborough works (January–March)

The Otley Road closure forms part of a wider programme of utility works scheduled across the district in early 2026:

5–16 January

  • Temporary traffic lights on Hookstone Road and Hornbeam Park Avenue
    (Northern Powergrid – new electrical connection)

20 January – 1 March

  • Oaker Bank: rolling temporary traffic lights as Harrogate Spring Water installs new pipework
    (short-term delays expected throughout the day)

19–20 January (overnight)

  • Kings Road closed 9pm–6am for sewer desilting
    (Yorkshire Water)

  • Temporary traffic lights on Skipton Road at the same time

Knaresborough

  • Harrogate Road: temporary traffic lights 5–13 January for a new meter installation

  • Additional evening works under temporary lights by Quickline in early January

Council response

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Council said, “Accommodating these varied and competing works in the area remains challenging, but it is necessary to facilitate them so the community benefits from essential improvements to water and electricity infrastructure.

Council officers continue to work closely with applicants to ensure schemes are delivered effectively, although each developer or utility is responsible for managing its own contractors and traffic management.”

Travel advice

Motorists are advised to:

  • Plan journeys in advance and allow extra time

  • Use alternative routes where possible

  • Avoid affected areas during peak periods if you can

  • Check local traffic and travel updates before setting off

Click Here for Traffic Information

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