With its stunning views, Snake Pass is one of the UK’s most famous driving routes.
But concerns have been raised that it could soon close to cars permanently. So what does the future hold for this winding road?
Even if you’ve never driven along Snake Pass, you’ve probably heard of it. It’s known as one of the most scenic roads in the country, and even the world, but it often makes headlines for another reason, it’s frequently closed.
Now, Derbyshire County Council has warned that repeated landslips are making it harder to keep the road open. Repairs are becoming more expensive, and the council says it can’t afford to keep fixing the damage without government help.
In winter, Snake Pass is often shut due to heavy snow and ice, making it too dangerous to drive. “One thing we always say in Glossop is that if it’s snowing hard here, then the Snake will already be closed,” said Mr Hargreaves.
Landslips are another major problem across Derbyshire, and Snake Pass is particularly at risk.
“I think because of the geology in the area, Snake Pass has always been a challenge when it comes to landslips,” explained Charlotte Cupit, Derbyshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport.
"Landslips are a big issue in Derbyshire, we’re currently managing over 200 of them," she said, adding that extreme weather is making the situation worse.
“With heavy rain, flooding, and big snowfalls, Snake Pass often takes the hardest hit because it’s one of the highest points in the county. There’s one section at Alport where you can see that half the road has completely disappeared,” said Cupit.
The council says it is carrying out resurfacing work more often due to landslips, but the cost of bigger repairs is beyond its budget. To keep the road open, traffic lights have been installed, allowing cars to use just one lane.
“We simply don’t have the money to carry out full repairs, it would cost millions, and that would mean cutting funding from our wider highways budget,” Cupit explained.
Do you think Snake Pass should be closed?
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