Following the release of more information about the A6 roundabout works and dates of temporary traffic lights there, local MP Robert Largan has called for urgent action to avoid “complete and utter chaos” on Buxton roads.
High Peak Borough have just announced that preparatory site works on the A6 will include utility works by Openreach (for 6 weeks from mid-March) and Cadent (for 8 weeks from mid-May), both of which will require ‘traffic control measures’.
These works are expected to cause significant traffic delays coming in and out of Buxton. However, the High Peak MP is also raising the risk that the long anticipated closure of Long Hill will take place at the same time. Such a move would “almost completely cut Buxton off” and cause “complete and utter chaos” on local roads.
It had been anticipated that Derbyshire County Council intend to close Long Hill for repairs from the end of April.
This would mean that there would be a period of at least 8 weeks from mid-May when Long Hill would be closed and the A6 at Fairfield common would have temporary traffic lights.
The MP has previously raised alarm at the scale of housebuilding along the A6 corridor and the pressure this is putting on local traffic. Mr Largan has joined forces with the MP for Disley (David Rutley) and the MP for Marple (Will Wragg) to try and get local authorities to work together as part of an A6 Taskforce to improve traffic.
Robert Largan MP said:
“Six months ago, I called upon both High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council to work together to ensure that these two main roads into Buxton were not disrupted by major roadworks at the same time.
“With this announcement from High Peak Borough Council, I fear we might be facing this exact prospect, potentially leading to at least eight weeks where both roads will have major roadworks on them at the same time. Such a move would almost completely cut off Buxton and cause complete and utter chaos on High Peak’s roads.
“I have today contacted both councils to request an urgent meeting to discuss this, and I intend to bang some heads together.”
