Jon Pearce MP welcomes long-overdue repairs on Snake Pass

High Peak MP Jon Pearce has welcomed long-overdue investigation works on the A57 Snake Pass, while calling on the Reform-run Derbyshire County Council to finally deliver lasting action after years of delays and deterioration on one of the region’s most important roads.

The Snake Pass will close from Monday 15 June until Friday 3 July while major ground investigations take place at the Doctor’s Gate landslip site. The closure follows ongoing concerns about ground movement and cracking which have left sections of the road under traffic light control since January 2024.

The investigations are designed to help identify a permanent repair solution after years of instability along the route.

Jon Pearce MP said:

“The Snake Pass is a vital route for residents, businesses and visitors across the High Peak and Derbyshire. People are rightly frustrated that it has taken this long for serious action to happen.

“Funding was secured last year, and it’s about time Reform-run Derbyshire County Council got on with delivering the repairs and long-term solutions our communities deserve.

“We cannot continue with sticking plaster solutions while this road continues to deteriorate year after year.”

During the closure, repair teams will also carry out additional maintenance works along the route, including pothole repairs, clearing blocked drains, pavement repairs, litter picking, cutting back overgrown vegetation and replacing damaged road signs.

Jon Pearce MP also warned that restoring confidence in the Snake Pass is crucial ahead of the Tour de France Femmes, which is set to come to Derbyshire and the Peak District next year.

Jon Pearce MP said:

“With the Tour de France Femmes coming to our area next year, the eyes of the world will be on the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“That should be a huge opportunity for local tourism, hospitality and businesses – but it also highlights why we urgently need reliable infrastructure and safe roads.

“Our area deserves investment that matches its potential, and that means finally getting to grips with the long-standing problems on the Snake Pass.”

Access for residents, businesses and farmers will remain in place during the closure, with signed diversion routes operating via Bamford, Hathersage, Buxton and Glossop.