A54 Macclesfield Main Road (Cat and Fiddle) major improvements: 14-week full road closure from late July until late October 2026
The road improvements will be split into 2 phases:
- Phase 1: Monday, 27 July 2026 until Friday, 30 October 2026 to complete major works before the start of the Winter.
- Phase 2: from Spring 2027 for approximately 12 weeks
Together the 2 phases will improve the road surface, drainage and road safety and also strengthen the earth banks along the route to prevent them from collapsing across the surface of the road.
Full road closure during both phases of works
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.
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.
Public transport
The temporary road closure will affect public bus services 58 and 60 between Buxton and Macclesfield. The routes are provided by High Peak Buses and Centre Bus.
We have informed the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), High Peak Buses, and Centre Bus about the road closure.
A signed diversionary route is also in place using the A53, A523, A537 and the A54.
Ground surveys and investigations to identify repair solutions
We undertook major ground investigations during May 2026 to help us understand more about the challenges of the A54 route.
The route is cut into the hillside with steep sided earth banks next to the road. Over time, the banks have started to collapse onto the road due to more extreme weather conditions and inadequate drainage.
During our site investigations, we drilled into the banks next to the road to learn more about the soil and ground below.
We also collected data about the type of soil and depth of rock. This will guide how we strengthen and reinforce the earth banks along the route as part of the phase 2 works.
In addition to the improvements identified during the investigation, we also intend to develop a new and improved road drainage system to help reduce surface water issues and improve road safety as part of phase 1 of our improvements.
Phase 1 works: 14-week full road closure from Monday, 27 July 2026 until Friday, 30 October 2026
The aim of the first phase of works is to focus on road and drainage improvements ahead of the challenging winter weather conditions.
The works include:
- resurfacing the road between the junction with the A537 at the county border, and where the hill known as ‘The Terret' meets the road (see the map attached to this page)
- installing a new drainage system to make sure rainwater drains away from the road surface to minimise surface water flooding
During cold wintry weather, rainwater can freeze on the road surface, causing potholes to form in any cracks.
By improving the drainage, we can reduce the risk of frost damage, maximising the lifespan of the new road surface by:
- laying high friction surfacing at bends for increased skid resistance, to improve vehicle braking and and road safety
- making pavement repairs
- upgrading the road signs along the route to alert drivers, helping to improve visibility, particularly in poor weather conditions. Works will include erecting new black and white chevron boards, cat’s eyes and marker posts to illuminate bends, as well as speed limit and warning signs
Phase 2 works: from Spring 2027 for approximately 12 weeks
The second phase of improvements will start following the wintry weather, likely to be from April 2027, and 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 (see the map attached to this page)
- replacement of existing drainage culverts, the structures and channels that carry water beneath the road, to reduce surface water collecting on the A54
Full details about the works are available on One Network.
About the A54 Macclesfield Main Road
The A54 is known for its scenic views, steep inclines, and tight bends.
Most of the road lies in Cheshire, with the section in Derbyshire beginning around a mile south-west of Buxton.
Already starting at over 1,000 feet above sea level, it winds upwards around a small hill known as “The Terret”, before merging onto open moorland, eventually connecting to the famous 'Cat and Fiddle' Road.
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