Drivers are set to benefit from safer roads after new funding has been secured across a dangerous route in a bid to prevent future fatalities.

The Department for Transport has allocated £7.6million to enhance safety along the A57 Snake Pass, one of England's most hazardous roads connecting Sheffield and Manchester.

This Peak District route, which sees approximately 30,000 vehicles weekly, has been identified as requiring urgent intervention following a concerning safety record.

The funding comes through the Government's Safer Roads Fund, specifically targeting high-risk routes across England.

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The route is one of England's most hazardous roads, connecting Sheffield and Manchester

The investment will address a 23-mile section between Glossop and Sheffield, where the combination of sharp bends, steep gradients and limited visibility has created persistent dangers for motorists.

The route, particularly favoured by motorcyclists and cyclists, represents Derbyshire's highest road and serves as a crucial economic link between major northern cities.

But while the route is popular, it is also hazardous, with reports finding that between 2018 and 2023, the road witnessed five deaths, 62 serious injuries and 102 minor casualties, according to collision data provided to the Department for Transport.

The road serves more than 300,000 users annually, including local agricultural vehicles.

GETTY | Snake Pass is often closed out of precaution during periods of poor weather

Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood acknowledged the route's dangers, stating: "Anyone driving on the A57 Snake Pass knows how risky it can feel."

The treacherous conditions stem from the road's unique topography, featuring numerous sharp turns, steep inclines and junctions with restricted sightlines.

At nearly 1,700 feet elevation, the summit creates additional hazards through exposure to severe weather conditions.

The proposed safety enhancements encompass up to 10 average speed camera locations throughout the route, accompanied by speed limit reminder signage.

Plans include narrowing the A57 and Manor Park Road junction in Glossop to reduce pedestrian crossing times.

A new pedestrian crossing at Dinting Vale viaduct will create safer access to the railway station.

Advanced road restraint barriers specifically engineered to prevent motorcyclists from sliding beneath existing barriers will be installed to minimise injury severity.

Additional measures include anti-skid friction surfacing at collision hotspots and bends to reduce braking distances.

These improvements form part of a comprehensive approach to transform driver behaviour and attitudes along this notoriously challenging stretch of road.

The road's troubled history extends back over nine decades, with documented landslides causing closures for at least 90 years.

Originally constructed between 1818 and 1821 as a turnpike, the route proved financially unviable from inception due to unstable ground conditions and prolonged winter closures.

Experts explained that the road's location along unstable terrain made it fundamentally unsuitable for major traffic from the beginning.

Winter closures due to snow and ice remain frequent, with the exposed summit creating hazardous conditions for months at a time.

Derbyshire County Council has warned that increasing landslip frequency threatens the route's long-term viability, with repair costs potentially exceeding available budgets.

The authority previously sought dedicated landslip funding from the Department for Transport but was informed that no such contingency funds existed.

GOOGLE MAPS | The popular route connects drivers between Sheffield and Manchester

Councillor Charlotte Hill from Derbyshire County Council: "We have already carried out a number of safety improvements along the route, but a more holistic solution is required to save lives and change road user attitudes and behaviour along this challenging stretch of road."

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward expressed delight at the funding announcement, highlighting extensive discussions with High Peak MP Jon Pearce and direct communications with transport officials.

The Department for Transport projected that the improvements will prevent over 93 serious and fatal collisions within two decades.

Derbyshire County Council will oversee the £6million allocation, while Sheffield City Region manages £1.6million.

Public consultation on the proposals is scheduled for later this year, with project completion anticipated within three years.