Crumbling A57 Peak District road reopens after six weeks - ahead of another full closure later this month
A major road into Sheffield has partially reopened after repairs lasting six weeks, but will close again soon.
The A57 Manchester Road near Wyming Brook Drive and Rivelin dams is open to traffic after landslip repairs by council contractor Amey.
It will be controlled by temporary traffic lights for five more weeks, according to a timetable issued by the company, before reopening fully.
It comes as contractors prepare to close the road completely for two-and-a-half weeks later this month.
The A57 Snake Pass will shut on Monday, June 15, for ‘intrusive ground investigation works’ at the Doctor’s Gate landslip, near the summit.
Derbyshire County Council says it will reopen two weeks and four days later on Friday, July 3.
The authority says the closure will be from the Ladybower Reservoir to the edge of Glossop, a distance of more than 10 miles.
Jon Pearce MP for High Peak said: “These works are essential to help find a long-term solution after ongoing ground movement and cracking along the road.
“I know this will be frustrating for many people who regularly use Snake Pass, but public safety must come first.
“These works involve heavy machinery and drilling equipment operating across the carriageway, and they are vital to securing the future of this route.”
While the closure was in place, teams will also be carrying out pothole repairs, litter picking, drain clearing, pavement repairs and cutting back trees, he added.
The A57 is a major route between Sheffield and Manchester. It has four landslips and two sets of lights where the road is down to one lane and a 7.5 tonne weight limit.
Another landslip controlled by lights – at Alport – is said to need hundreds of millions of pounds to repair, sparking speculation about whether the road could eventually close for good.
The women’s Tour de France will use it next July.
Derbyshire County Council says a permanent, long‑term repair is unlikely before then, but it will do its “utmost” to ensure it is safe for the event.