A Roadworks Alert

A Roadworks Alert. Motorists are being advised to plan ahead as a wave of roadworks affects areas around the Harrogate districts.  Utility upgrades, temporary traffic lights, and short-term closures are expected over the coming weeks, with drivers urged to allow extra time, check local updates, and consider alternative routes during peak periods.

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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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