Landslips close the Snake Pass
It's feared the Glossop-Sheffield road could be shut for some time
Last updated 23rd Feb 2022
The A57 Snake Pass was closed on Monday following damage caused by torrential rain as Storm Eunice and then Storm Franklin battered the county.
Inspectors found movement in three locations along a mile-long section of the road and a decision was made to close the road from Fairholmes car park at Ladybower Reservoir to Glossop to protect road users.
Two of the areas of slippage were already being monitored carefully following previous movement but a third, more serious slip, has now appeared along the road where the verge has dropped by 2 metres.
Teams are said to be continually monitoring the situation but as the ground is still moving they say they're unable to come up with any final designs to repair the road until it has stabilised, which will be dependent on many factors including the weather.
At this stage, the County Council say a one-month closure is in place however it is too early to say when the route will reopen following any necessary repairs.
Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, Councillor Kewal Singh Athwal, said:
“I know this will be a huge inconvenience to everyone who uses the A57 regularly.
“However, with the ground underneath the road surface expected to continue to move, in the interests of everyone’s safety we simply cannot allow traffic to use the road.
“This is an evolving situation but please be assured we will continue to monitor the situation closely.
“Once the land movement has stopped we will assess what needs doing to repair the sections of road. However, once in a position to do this it will be a complicated piece of work.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience as we deal with the aftermath of this unprecedented weather which has affected not only Derbyshire but much of the country.”
In the meantime, Derbyshire County Council say local access will be maintained for residents. Drivers are asked to follow the diversion route through Hathersage, Hope, Doveholes, Whaley Bridge, New Mills, Hayfield and Glossop and visa versa.