Snake Pass and Woodhead Pass, two major road links between Sheffield and Manchester, are under renewed scrutiny as repeated closures disrupt travel across the Pennines.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has described both routes as "crumbling," highlighting wider concerns about the condition and reliability of connections between South Yorkshire and Greater Manchester. His comments come amid ongoing debate over northern transport links.
Disruption by the numbers
Snake Pass has been closed multiple times due to landslips and severe weather. These closures interrupt journeys, reduce route resilience and place additional pressure on alternative roads.
Derbyshire County Council, responsible for maintaining Snake Pass, has warned about the route’s high upkeep costs and active landslips presenting significant engineering challenges. Structural problems go beyond simple maintenance and require extensive intervention.
Who manages the routes?
Responsibility remains a contentious issue. Snake Pass is managed by Derbyshire County Council. Burnham has argued the road’s status as a key connection between two major cities means it should be treated differently in funding and management.
The Government maintains that responsibility lies with Derbyshire County Council and points to previous funding allocations. No changes in management or funding have been confirmed.
Woodhead Pass in the network
Woodhead Pass also forms part of the main Sheffield-Manchester road corridor. While not interchangeable with Snake Pass, each route supports the other. When one closes, alternatives become limited, affecting overall network resilience.
Temporary closures, even if not permanent, disrupt journey planning and increase traffic pressure elsewhere. This dynamic is familiar from incidents on other UK roads, where motorway closures or prolonged works affect wider traffic flows.
Beyond political calls
Political calls for action have not yet translated into confirmed funding or programme delivery. Both routes traverse challenging terrain requiring significant resources to maintain and improve.
Long-term solutions will involve decisions on the scope of work, funding sources, responsibility assignment and construction planning. These will be more complex than routine resurfacing jobs.
What it means for drivers
For drivers and freight operators, reliable east-west routes are vital. With limited crossings of the Pennines, closures impact travel predictability and logistics.
Burnham’s comments draw attention to these challenges. However, the next step depends on government and council decisions concerning funding and management of both routes.
