The A628 Woodhead Pass is a crucial road that connects Manchester and Sheffield, but it has been plagued by accidents and road closures for years. The dangerous conditions of the road have caused numerous injuries and fatalities, as well as significant economic losses due to frequent closures.

According to the Department for Transport, there were 88 separate crashes between 2014 and 2018; 94 reported accidents between 2015 and 2019. Of these, 16 were serious accidents resulting in injury or death. In addition, there were several incidents of vehicles getting stuck or overturned due to adverse weather conditions.

These accidents have not only caused human and animal suffering but also resulted in significant costs for emergency services, businesses, and commuters who rely on this route. The frequent road closures have disrupted travel plans and caused delays that can last for hours.

Two years ago, drivers had to endure lengthy delays due to temporary lights at Salters Brook, whilst specialist repairs taking over 6 months to complete, were carried out on the bridge. The works had only just been completed when one month later there was another crash involving 3 cars. We could have done with additional barriers being installed on the bridge at the same time but this was not implemented. In addition, flooding on the bridge is regularly worse since the repairs. We are seeing more and more accidents every few days, with some reckless driving at speed, overtaking on double white lines, lack of regard for weather conditions. Many people say the road is fine, it's the drivers. I agree, but we need measures to keep people safe. How many more RTAs and fatalities have to happen before something is done?

Some people may suggest trying to get traffic off the road but this just isn't an option. Many drivers have to drive to work as there is no alternative public transport infrastructure. We see the knock on effect of increased vehicles on the A628 when the A57 Snake Pass has been closed a great deal due to landslip and subsequent repair work, or if there is an incident on the M62. When the A628 is closed traffic becomes gridlocked through Holmfirth as a result. This brings another serious problem with more vehicles trying to exit from the A6024 onto the A628 at a very difficult junction with poor visibility and fast moving traffic. I have previously written to my local MP to ask for "emerging traffic" warning signs; this was passed to Government and I received a reply to say there was no evidence this was necessary. It beggars belief!!

We have seen the implementation of new snow gates and electronic signage re weather conditions and this is welcome but more needs to be done. A full bypass is unlikely to be built, and the new spur road will have no impact so urgent action is needed to improve safety on the A628 Woodhead Pass. This could include measures such as:

- Average speed cameras along the route
- Improving signage and warning systems to alert drivers of potential hazards
- Increasing patrols by police or traffic officers to enforce speed limits
- Investing in infrastructure improvements such as barriers or lighting

We call on local authorities and national government agencies responsible for maintaining this vital route to take immediate action to improve safety on the A628 Woodhead Pass. By doing so, we can reduce the number of accidents and road closures that cause harm to people's lives and livelihoods.

Sources:
Department for Transport - Reported Road Casualties Great Britain: Annual Report 2019