Regional mayors are pushing for solutions to the repeated Snake Pass closures due to landslips, impacting travel.
The frequent closures disrupt travel. The A57 links Manchester and Sheffield. This twelve-mile stretch has problems. Derbyshire County Council (DCC) manages it. They say repairs are too costly now. Mayors Oliver Coppard and Andy Burnham spoke out, citing this as poor Northern transport.
Burnham stated DCC has different priorities and doesn’t focus on Manchester to Sheffield travel. Coppard mentioned politicians want a resolution. The Department for Transport responded, explaining they give highway funds to DCC, where DCC decides how to spend it.
DCC faces tough choices with little money. They want a national landslip fund. The mayors want more government transport funding. Coppard said they need a new plan that connects South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. He and Burnham seek solutions with Claire Ward.
Burnham said roads connecting Sheffield and Manchester aren’t good. Woodhead isn’t reliable for major connections. Going via the M1 and M62 adds a big detour. He feels the North never gets enough money, stating that better road and rail links are vital.
Councillor Charlotte Cupit said Snake Pass matters as thirty thousand vehicles use it each week. It connects regions and serves locals. She said the road helps the economy grow. Funding issues limit their actions now. Cupit states she needs more money to maintain roads.
DCC looks after 3,500 miles of road total. Snake Pass repairs could take their full budget. They deal with two hundred other landslips also. The government says they will help and wants councils to improve their roads.
The Department for Transport knows about problems. Landslips disrupt drivers and communities that rely on Snake Pass. They gave £75m help to the East Midlands Combined Authority. This money is for 2025/26 and helps maintain roads.