Motorists planning to use one of the Peak District’s most famous roads are being warned to expect major disruption, with the Cat and Fiddle set to close for 14 weeks as part of a huge improvement scheme.
Derbyshire County Council (DCC) has announced that a 2.8km stretch of the A54 Macclesfield Main Road will be closed to all traffic from late July until October 30, 2026, while extensive repairs and safety upgrades are carried out.
The closure affects the section between the A53 Leek Road junction and the A537 at the county border.
And that won’t be the end of the disruption.
A second phase of work is scheduled to begin in spring 2027 and is expected to last around 12 weeks.
Council chiefs say the project is needed to tackle deteriorating road conditions, improve drainage and stabilise earth banks that have been falling onto the carriageway.
A Derbyshire County Council spokesperson said: “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.”
Why is the road being closed?
The Cat and Fiddle route has long been vulnerable to harsh weather and drainage problems.
According to the council, sections of the road are cut into steep hillsides where earth banks have become increasingly unstable due to extreme weather and inadequate drainage systems.
Investigations carried out in May 2026 found signs of ground movement, with engineers drilling into the slopes to analyse soil conditions and rock depth ahead of planned reinforcement work.
Officials say the improvements will help prevent future collapses, reduce flooding and extend the life of the road surface.
What work will take place?
The first phase, running from July to October 2026, will focus on resurfacing and drainage improvements before the onset of winter.
Plans include:
- Resurfacing sections of the A54
- Installing a new drainage system to reduce surface water and flooding
- Laying high-friction surfacing on bends to improve grip
- Repairing damaged pavement areas
- Upgrading road signs and safety features
New chevron boards, cat’s eyes, marker posts and warning signs will also be installed to improve visibility, particularly during poor weather.
The second phase, expected to start in April 2027, will focus on stabilising the roadside earth banks to reduce the risk of debris and rockfalls reaching the carriageway.
Additional work will include repairs and upgrades to safety barriers and bike guards, as well as further resurfacing and drainage improvements.
A council spokesperson said: “Together the two 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.”
Bus services affected
The closure will also affect public transport.
High Peak’s 58 bus service will be unable to use the Cat and Fiddle during the works and will instead divert via Long Hill, Kettleshulme and Rainow to maintain links between Buxton and Macclesfield.
However, the lengthy diversion means services to Buxton’s Burbage area cannot be maintained during the closure period.
When complete, the project is expected to deliver a safer route with improved drainage, upgraded signage, stronger embankments and a more resilient road surface capable of withstanding the area’s notoriously harsh weather conditions.
