Snake Pass closure: Key route that links Manchester and Sheffield shut for two weeks with diversions in place

The Snake Pass is currently closed for repair works to ensure the road can remain open for years to come. From October 14 to October 25 the section of the A57 is going to be shut.

Resurfacing work is being conducted by Derbyshire County Council. This also includes patching up parts of the road as well as carrying out drainage works, wall repairs and tree felling.   The council has confirmed that a signed diversion is in place for motorists. They’ve also announced advice for cyclists as the route is popular for those on bikes when open. 

A spokesperson for Derbyshire County Council said: “The A57 Snake Pass will be closed from 14 until 25 October for repairs and annual maintenance. We’re resurfacing two parts of Snake Pass where there are ongoing landslips, doing some patching repairs to the road surface at various places, carrying out regular drainage works, cutting back hedges, tree felling for Ash dieback and doing some wall repairs.

“The resurfacing work to the Gillott Hey landslip should mean the removal of the traffic lights there, and resurfacing work to the area near Wood Cottage should enable the lifting of the lower speed restriction in that area once complete. We will also be investigating the retaining wall movement and landslip at Doctors Gate as well as carrying out work to try to prevent water getting in over the upcoming winter (though some of the problems come from the underlying geology and water deep underground).

“There will still be two sets of traffic lights at the big landslips and significant ground damage at Alport and Doctor’s Gate. And, the HGV weight restriction will remain. We know that cyclists enjoy riding the pass when it is closed.”

They added: “Cyclists can cycle up from the Glossop end of the pass to the summit and return the same way as there is no work taking place there. For safety reasons we’d recommend cyclists do not ride up from the Sheffield side as it will be a construction site with full width resurfacing works taking place in some parts. 

“A signed diversion will be in place and access will be maintained for those who live on the pass. Apologies for the inconvenience caused by the closure but we continue to try to manage the significant landslips on this road to do everything we can to keep it open and limit the restrictions needed.”