Drivers face disruption as Snake Pass closes

A stretch of the A57 Snake Pass is set to close for more than two weeks next month, as engineers carry out investigations into ongoing landslip problems.

The road, which links Sheffield and Manchester, will shut from Monday 15th June until Friday 3rd July while Derbyshire County Council carries out ground investigation works near the summit. 

The closure affects the section between Ladybower Reservoir and the outskirts of Glossop - a route of more than 10 miles, with the work focusing on the area around Doctor’s Gate, where a landslip has already forced the road down to a single lane controlled by temporary traffic lights. 

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Councillor Charlotte Hill said: 

“We are currently undertaking feasibility and technical studies to fully understand the extent of the issues at the Doctors Gate site on Snake Pass and the options that may be available. This work is essential before any detailed proposals can be developed and discussed with funding partners, including the Government. 

“Snake Pass presents a long standing and complex engineering challenge due to its underlying geology and exposure to severe weather. Addressing this safely and sustainably requires detailed investigation and significant resources. 

“We are working with the East Midlands Combined County Authority to explore opportunities that could help secure the long-term resilience of the A57. Discussions with other partners are ongoing and form part of the wider work currently being undertaken.” 

Snake Pass has suffered repeated damage in recent years, with four separate landslip sites currently affecting the route. Drivers already face two sets of temporary traffic lights and a 7.5-tonne weight restriction along the road. 

Another major landslip at Alport is also being monitored, with repair costs expected to run into hundreds of millions of pounds. 

Despite the ongoing issues, the route is still expected to feature in next year’s women’s Tour de France. Derbyshire County Council has said a permanent repair is unlikely to be completed before the race, but it will do everything possible to make the road safe in time for the event.