The Challenges of Maintaining Snake Pass: A Critical Route in Derbyshire
Snake Pass, one of the highest roads in the UK, is not just a scenic route; it is a vital artery connecting two of the country’s major cities. However, its location on historic shale landslip deposits presents significant challenges for Derbyshire County Council, particularly during the winter months when adverse weather conditions can lead to closures and safety concerns.
A Route of Importance
The Snake Pass route, which sees approximately 30,000 vehicles each week, is crucial for both local and regional connectivity. It serves as a lifeline for commuters, businesses, and tourists alike, linking the bustling cities of Manchester and Sheffield. The road’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, yet its susceptibility to weather-related disruptions poses a constant threat to its usability.
Weather Woes: The Impact of Climate Change
Julian Gould, the council’s highways director, and Councillor Charlotte Cupit have been vocal about the ongoing challenges associated with maintaining this vital route. The road is in a perpetual state of slipping, necessitating frequent “interventions” every six to twelve months—an increase from the previous eight-year interval. This shift is largely attributed to climate change, which has resulted in more intense bouts of heavy rain and snow, exacerbating the road’s instability.
Budget Constraints: A Growing Dilemma
Despite the pressing need for repairs and maintenance, Derbyshire County Council operates under a constrained highways capital budget of £27 million per year. This budget must cover the entire county, making it difficult to allocate sufficient funds for the ongoing upkeep of Snake Pass. Currently, the road features two sets of temporary traffic lights at Gillott Hey and Alport, where significant damage has occurred. Speed bumps have also been installed at Wood Cottage, and the speed limit has been reduced to 30 mph due to rippling in the area.
Upcoming Repairs: A Temporary Solution
To address the ongoing issues, Snake Pass will be temporarily closed from October 14 to 25 for essential surface repairs at Gillott Hey and Alport. During this period, the damaged road surface will be trimmed, and a new top layer will be added. While these repairs are necessary, they are merely a stopgap measure in the face of a larger, more complex problem.
Seeking Support: The Call for a Landslip Fund
Recognizing the severity of the situation, the council has made requests for a potential landslip fund from the central government and the newly elected East Midlands Mayor. However, the estimated cost to address the landslip at Alport could reach hundreds of millions of pounds, a figure that underscores the scale of the challenge at hand.
The Future of Snake Pass: A Delicate Balance
Both Cllr Cupit and Mr. Gould are committed to keeping Snake Pass open, but they acknowledge the possibility of a “cataclysmic” landslip that could render the road near-impossible to repair. Mr. Gould has expressed concerns about the sustainability of the current maintenance schedule, stating, “The period between interventions is now less and less. It won’t be sustainable long term without significant intervention, but county councils can’t fund that level of intervention.”
Cllr Cupit advocates for a shift in perspective regarding the road’s maintenance. She believes that the works on Snake Pass should be framed as an economic growth project rather than merely a road improvement initiative. Derbyshire is home to numerous quarries that supply materials for construction projects across the UK, making the upkeep of major routes like Snake Pass essential for the region’s economic vitality.
Conclusion: A Road Worth Investing In
As Derbyshire County Council grapples with the challenges of maintaining Snake Pass, it becomes increasingly clear that this road is more than just a thoroughfare; it is a critical component of the region’s infrastructure. The ongoing impacts of climate change, coupled with budget constraints, present a formidable challenge. However, with strategic investment and a focus on the economic benefits of maintaining this vital route, there is hope for a sustainable future for Snake Pass. The road may be high in elevation, but its importance to the communities it serves is even higher.