First set of major improvements to be made to A54 Macclesfield Main Road

Work gets underway next week to implement the first phase of significant improvements to the A54 Macclesfield Main Road, also known as the Cat and Fiddle. These changes are part of our £70 million capital programme, which is investing in our highways network to deliver safer, stronger and more resilient roads across the county.

A 14-week 24/7 road closure to all traffic will be in place from Monday 27 July to enable the work to happen safely, between the A53 Leek Road and the junction with the A537 at the Cheshire boundary.

The scheme will focus on ensuring the road is “winter ready” and provides better road safety. It will include:

• Resurfacing the 1.7km part of the closure to extend the road’s lifespan
• Installation of a new drainage system to minimise the risk of surface water flooding and to protect the road from frosty weather
• Improving skid resistance with high friction surfacing on sharp bends for better road safety
• Repairs to the pavement
• Upgraded road signage, new chevron boards, additional speed limit and warnings signs, cats eyes and marker posts to provide better visibility of bends.

Council’s Leader, Councillor Alan Graves said: 

“We know how important the Cat and Fiddle is for local residents and businesses and appreciate this closure will cause disruption. But we would like to thank road users in advance for their patience while these important improvements are carried out.

“The Cat and Fiddle is one of Derbyshire’s most important routes, but its exposed location on the moors means it faces significant challenges from severe weather and heavy use. This first phase of work represents a significant investment in its future. The improvements will make the road safer, more resilient and better prepared for winter conditions, improving the experience for all those that use it.

“These investments are about protecting this important route for the long term and reducing the need for more extensive repairs in the future.”

A second phase of works is likely to follow in Spring 2027, aimed at stabilising the route’s earth banks and making them less likely to collapse in future, and completing the remaining parts of the works.

All businesses along the route will remain open throughout the works. Customers are encouraged to check with individual businesses before travelling to confirm the most convenient access route during the closure.

There will be a signed diversion route in place while the works are underway, that will use the A53, A523, A537 and the A54.

Find more information and subscribe to our email newsletter about the work. 

Full details on the works can be found on One Network.