The main road from Macclesfield to Buxton is facing six months of road closures

Derbyshire County Council has confirmed that major improvements are being made to a 2.8km stretch of the A54, known locally as the Cat and Fiddle.

The work, split into two phases, will impact the road from its junction with the A53 Leek Road to its junction with the A537 on the border with Cheshire.

"As the works are extensive, needing major excavations across the full width of the road and the use of large equipment and machinery, the A54 Macclesfield Main Road will be closed to all traffic during both construction phases," reads the Derbyshire County Council website.

"The closure is needed for the safety of the public and our contractor.

"Access will be maintained for properties and businesses only on the route.

Map of the A54 Macclesfield Main Road closures showing phase one and phase two closures (Credit: DCC)

The project has been split into two phases.

advertisement

Phase one will require a 14-week full road closure from Monday, July 27, until Friday, October 30, and will focus on road and drainage improvements ahead of the challenging winter weather conditions.

This includes resurfacing the road between the junction with the A537 at the county border, and where the hill known as 'The Terret' meets the road.

Meanwhile, a new drainage system will be installed to make sure rainwater drains away from the road surface to minimise surface water flooding.

Phase two is expected begin in April 2027 and will last approximately 12 weeks.

This phase of the project will include:

• Reinforcing the earth banks to make them more stable and less likely to collapse. This will reduce the risk of falling debris or loose rock falling on to the road
• Installation of new and repairs to existing safety barriers and bike guards
• Completion of the remaining road resurfacing improvements from the junction with the A53 Leek Road and where the hill known as "The Terret" meets the road
• Replacement of existing drainage culverts, the structures and channels that carry water beneath the road, to reduce surface water collecting on the A54

Derbyshire County Council has warned that the road closure will affect bus services 58 and 60 between Macclesfield and Buxton.

A signed diversionary route is also in place using the A53, A523, A537 and the A54.