£9.5 million government boost to save lives on North of England’s riskiest roads

Two of England’s most high-risk roads will benefit from £9.5m in government investment to improve safety, the Department for Transport has announced today (Friday 18th July). 

A boost of £7.6 million will deliver life-saving improvements on the iconic A57 Snake Pass in Derbyshire, and £1.8 million will go towards the final phase of safety improvements to the A583 Blackpool Road in Lancashire, ensuring safer journeys for drivers across the North of England. 

This funding will deliver a vital package of safety improvements, including speed limit signage, improved visibility, stabilisation of the carriageway, and a dedicated motorcycle safety barrier. 

The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: 

“Anyone driving on the A57 Snake Pass knows how risky it can feel. Now this iconic road, as well as the A583 Blackpool Road, will benefit from life saving road improvements, making journeys safer for thousands of road users across the North, and more peace of mind for their loved ones.

"To go even further, we’re delivering our first Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, to ensure the UK's roads remain among the safest in the world." 

 

 A vital cross-Pennine route running through the heart of the Peak District, connecting Sheffield, Derbyshire and Manchester, the A57 Snake Pass is an iconic scenic route which connects thousands across the North and Midlands. 

Over the next 20 years, the funding is expected to prevent more than 93 fatal and serious collisions over the next 20 years, as well as reduce congestion and lower emissions.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said: 

"The A57 Snake Pass is a vital cross-Pennine route connecting two of the North’s biggest economies, so it’s absolutely vital that people can travel safely and reliably between here, Sheffield and beyond across South Yorkshire. This welcome investment will deliver much needed improvements that will help to save lives and reduce serious injuries. I look forward to these life-saving changes being delivered.”

 

A583 Blackpool Road is a key route linking Preston and Blackpool, and this new phase of funding will deliver enhanced active travel infrastructure, reduced speed limits, junction cameras, and improved pedestrian facilities.

Support is expected to prevent 3 fatal and serious injuries over the next 20 years, and reduce emissions and congestion, while providing more options for active travel, to help more people get to work, school and appointments in a safe and healthy way.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:

“The Snake Pass is a vital connection between Sheffield and Manchester, connecting two of the biggest cities in the north.

 “It’s a road that’s used by thousands of us every day, but one that’s been plagued by closures, stop-start repairs and an uncertain future. I would like even better connections between the big cities of the north, but this funding is an important step in the right direction, helping to create safer, more reliable journeys, and protecting a fundamentally important connection across the Peak District.”

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled that £7.6m is being spent by this Labour Government to make Snake Pass Safe. As one of the main routes into our region, it has remained treacherous for far too long.

This announcement follows many conversations with Jon Pearce - the MP for High Peak, and multiple calls directly with the Department of Transport. Now, Lilian Greenwood, the Future Roads Minister has rightly prioritised this route.

This is great news for the safety of local people who use this route every day, and a big step in the right direction for tourism for the Peaks and the economy of our region”

 

Both schemes will help deliver the Government’s Plan for Change by easing pressure on the NHS and helping to reduce waiting lists. They will boost economic growth and help put more money back into the pockets of working people.