A54 Macclesfield Main Road (Cat and Fiddle) major improvements: 11-week full road closure from spring 2027
Theplans for road improvements are be split into 2 phases:
- phase 1: major works completed from July 2027 to October 2026 before winter
- phase 2: from spring 2027 for approximately 11 weeks
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.
Phase 2 works: from spring 2027 for approximately 11 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
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Full road closure during the 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.
Local businesses
During the road closure, access to local businesses along the A537 Macclesfield Main Road will be maintained at all times by following the signed diversion route using the A53, A523 and A537.
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: completed from July to October 2026
The A54 Macclesfield Main Road reopened to all traffic on Monday, 12 October, 3 weeks ahead of schedule.
The early reopening was due to careful planning and good weather over the summer.
Major works completed as part of phase 1 of our repairs
The aim of the first phase of works was to focus on improving the road's drainage and surface before the start of the winter weather. During the phase 1 works, we:
- laid 450 metres of new drains to carry water away from the road, to help minimise surface water flooding during heavy downpours
- installed 192 new reflective bollards
- erected new traffic signs
- laid new kerbs to guide drivers along the road
- laid new road foundations and surfacing
- applied new anti-skid surfacing at bends to reduce accidents
- installed new, clearer road markings and laid 282 new cat's eyes in the centre of the road to help guide drivers along the route at night and during bad weather.
The following photos show the completed phase 1 works.
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