A57 Road Closure (probably until 2 June)

[John Barnard]

The A57 is currently closed between Sheffield and Laybower Reservoir. The official closure seems to be between the junction with Rivelin Valley Road (at the former Rivelin Post Office) and Ladybower traffic lights. The details of the closure and the available alternative routes seem to be very badly publicised and signposted. The information below is based on my experience today, and may change. The actual work seems to be on the A57 just to the west of the Rivelin Dams. I think that the “official” diversion is via the Fox House, Hathersage and Bamford (i.e. a very long way round).
If approaching from Sheffield, there are barriers at the junction with Rivelin Valley Road. I have not tried driving past these since the closure came into force on 20 April, but a couple of weeks ago there was a sign at the junction with Onksley Lane saying that the road would be closed there “from 20 April to 2 June”. It may well therefore still be possible to reach the Rivelin Dams carpark (useful if climbing at Rivelin).
If approaching from Ladybower, there are barriers across the road at Ladybower traffic lights and signs saying “no through route”. However, the road is currently clear past the Cutthroat Bridge layby, the “Strines” turn onto Mortimer Road (allowing access to Bradfield, Langsett etc.) and the junction with Rod Side at Hollow Meadows (allowing access to Dungworth, Stannington, etc). The turn onto Rod Side is marked “unsuitable for HGVs” and “Residents Only”.
The quickest diversion between western Sheffield and Ladybower therefore appears to be (when coming from Sheffield) to go via Rails Road, Stannington, High Riggs Road and Rod Side to rejoin the A57 at Hollow Meadows. Judging by the unusually heavy traffic on this road this afternoon, this seems to be what most people are doing. I would not recommend using Woodbank Road and Flash Lane to shortcut between Rails Road and High Riggs Road as it is single track with high hedges and very few passing spaces. The same route can be used in reverse (as I did today).
Other options include the moorland routes via Bamford and Stanage Edges and Ringinglow. Note however that the road up past the Scotsman’s Pack in Hathersage is also closed, as is the road between Ringinglow and Redmires reservoirs.

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