UK's 'most dangerous road' with 164 crash casualties to get £7.6m revamp
One of the country's most notorious roads is set to benefit from 'life-saving improvements' to the tune of £7.6 million. Featuring 23 miles of steep bends, twists and blind junctions - Snake Pass is a well-known stretch of the A57 that links Sheffield with Manchester. Situated in the picturesque Peak District between Glossop and Sheffield, the route is used by more than 30,000 vehicles every single week - and is the highest road in Derbyshire.
Snake Pass has become somewhat of a tourist attraction in itself, despite being one of the 'most high-risk' roads in England due to its serpent shape and constant closures due to poor weather and landslips.
In fact, collision data submitted to the Department for Transport stated that between 2018 and 2023, there were five fatalities, 62 serious and 102 slight collision casualties.
Derbyshire County Council had also warned that landslips are becoming so frequent that it could not keep repairing the road. It had previously asked the Department for Transport (DfT) for a 'landslip fund' to make sure the road could stay open - but the government body said it was not 'responsible' for the road.
However, the DfT has now unveiled £7.6 million of investment as part of its Safer Roads Fund. The proposed safety improvements, which are still subject to a public consultation later this year, include adding up to 10 average speed camera sites along the route, with speed limit reminder signs.
Improvements will also be made to the junction of the A57 and Manor Park Road in Glossop, to narrow the road and reduce the time it takes for pedestrians to cross the road. A pedestrian crossing at the Dinting Vale viaduct will then be erected, to 'provide a safer walking route for pedestrians to the railway station'.
Other improvements include implementing advanced 'road restraint' safety barriers, designed to prevent motorcyclists sliding under existing safety barriers, to reduce potential injuries, and anti-skid friction surfacing, at bends and existing collision sites, to help minimise braking distances.
The DfT estimates the revamp will prevent more than 93 fatal and serious collisions over the next 20 years, as well as slashing congestion and emissions.
"We have already carried out a number of safety improvements along the route, but a more holistic solution is required to save lives and change road user attitudes and behaviour along this challenging stretch of road," said Councillor Charlotte Hill, Cabinet Member for Potholes, Highways and Transport.
"We welcome the award from the Safer Routes Fund for a suite of road safety measures worth £7.6 million – an investment well beyond the means of our annual road maintenance budget for the county.
"Using our experience gained from similar challenging routes in the county, we will now be able to finalise our proposals for the Snake Pass, in readiness for a public consultation later this year. We look forward to being able to deliver a step change in road safety and reduce casualties along this significant route."
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