Latest news with #SaferRoadsFund
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'most dangerous road' with 164 crash casualties to get £7.6m revamp
A 23-mile stretch of road - often touted as the UK's most dangerous - featuring dangerously steep bends, twists and blind junctions is slated for a complete transformation to help prevent further casualties 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."
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Roadworks mean delays for drivers for two months
Drivers are being warned of delays for the next two months due to ongoing roadworks. They will affect Higham Road and parts of the A6 in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire. North Northamptonshire Council said the work, which started on Monday and continues until 22 September, would be split into two phases. During this period, the speed limit of 60mph (96km/h) will be reduced to 30mph (48km/h) and closures and temporary traffic lights were to be expected. It said the two planned phases of the work to resurface Higham Road and install new traffic signals were: From Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August: Higham Road will be closed and two-way temporary traffic lights in place 24-hours a day on the A6 along the Burton Latimer/Higham Ferrers interchange From Friday 29 August to Monday 22 September: Higham Road will remain closed, with two-way traffic lights on the A6 only during the hours of 08:00 to 17:00 BST. Outside these hours, the A6 will remain open. Chris McGiffen, North Northamptonshire Council's Reform UK executive member for highways and travel, said: "Once complete, this work will make a significant difference to this particular stretch of the A6 - improving safety for all users. "We understand that any disruption can be frustrating, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term delays." He said the council appreciated residents' patience while the work was carried out. The works along the A6 are part of the Safer Roads Fund, a road safety initiative for local authorities funded by the Department for Transport. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Related internet links North Northamptonshire Council
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
A6 roadworks in Burton Latimer to last two months
Drivers are being warned of delays for the next two months due to ongoing will affect Higham Road and parts of the A6 in Burton Latimer, Northamptonshire Council said the work, which started on Monday and continues until 22 September, would be split into two this period, the speed limit of 60mph (96km/h) will be reduced to 30mph (48km/h) and closures and temporary traffic lights were to be expected. It said the two planned phases of the work to resurface Higham Road and install new traffic signals were:From Monday 21 July to Friday 29 August: Higham Road will be closed and two-way temporary traffic lights in place 24-hours a day on the A6 along the Burton Latimer/Higham Ferrers interchangeFrom Friday 29 August to Monday 22 September: Higham Road will remain closed, with two-way traffic lights on the A6 only during the hours of 08:00 to 17:00 BST. Outside these hours, the A6 will remain McGiffen, North Northamptonshire Council's Reform UK executive member for highways and travel, said: "Once complete, this work will make a significant difference to this particular stretch of the A6 - improving safety for all users."We understand that any disruption can be frustrating, but the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term delays."He said the council appreciated residents' patience while the work was carried works along the A6 are part of the Safer Roads Fund, a road safety initiative for local authorities funded by the Department for Transport. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
