Drivers could face 48 mile diversion within North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed that the Swaledale Drainage Improvement scheme will require a full road closure over two separate periods in August.

The first closure began at 8.30am on Monday, August 17, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in place until 3.30pm on Friday, August 21.

The road will then reopen for the weekend before a second full closure comes into force at 8.30am on Monday, August 24, lasting until 3.30pm on Friday, August 28.

Roadworks information published for the scheme shows a signed diversion of around 77.4km, or 48 miles, which is expected to take motorists about an hour to complete.

The diversion begins on Guning Lane and takes drivers through a number of roads before eventually returning to Guning Lane.

The route includes sections towards Cliff Gate Road, Brunt Acres Road, Burtersett Road, High Street, Richmond Road, Mount Drive, Bellerby Road and Runs Bank.

The reverse route applies for motorists travelling in the opposite direction.

Information provided for road users states: “Closure for drainage improvement works.

“The works are scheduled to begin at 8.30am on Monday, August 17, 2026, and will be carried out under a full road closure until 3.30pm on Friday, August 21, when the road will be reopened for the weekend.

“A second full road closure will then be in place from 8.30am on Monday, August 24, to 3.30pm on Friday, August 28.”

Although the roadworks listing gives an overall event period running until 11.59pm on August 28, the council’s description says the second full closure is expected to finish at 3.30pm that day.

Motorists are being advised to follow the diversion signage in place and allow extra time for their journeys.

Drivers should check the latest road conditions and diversion information before travelling, as arrangements can change depending on the progress of the works.