Macclesfield Road, Rainow - embankment and carriageway collapse
The embankment supporting the B5470 Macclesfield, midway between Ginclough and Kettleshulme collapsed together with part of carriageway in January 2025.
Before the road collapse, temporary traffic lights were in place for safety reasons to mitigate the risk to the public while we investigated defects found on the embankment. We consider significant rainfall to have been a contributory factor to the sudden subsidence, which was unexpected.
The road remains closed for safety reasons.
What is happening
The work started on 27 October 2025, and it was expected to be completed in early summer 2026.
We carried out the work over winter so we could see the issues on site at their worst. During excavation on both sides of the embankment, we found long‑standing and previously hidden defects that must be repaired before the road can reopen safely. Recent snow, storms and persistent wet weather have also slowed progress.
Because of these extra issues, more work is needed to make sure the road is safe and stable for the long term. This means the construction programme will take longer than planned, and we now expect the road to reopen in early summer 2026.
Our teams are reviewing the programme to reduce delays as much as possible, and we will share a more detailed update as soon as we can.
We understand the disruption this causes and are working hard to complete the repairs and reopen the road safely and quickly. Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused during these essential works.
Councillor Goldsmith and our project manager for the scheme explain more in the video below.
The works taking place include:
- a reinforced earth slope will be built with a green face that’s hydroseeded to blend into the natural surroundings
- full replacement of the existing highway drainage system
- covering a wider areas than just embankment collapse to provide the future stability of the road
We continue to be in close communication with the Peak District National Park Authority to ensure we meet planning and environmental regulations.
We understand that working in the Peak District during the winter is not ideal due to the weather. However, we have decided to proceed with the work to get the road reopened as soon as possible rather than delaying construction until 2026.
Throughout the construction phase, a dedicated walkway away from the works area has been provided to ensure that access for pedestrians and cyclists is maintained.
A huge amount of work has gone into ensuring the most suitable solution for the embankment repair, that also complements the natural surroundings. With everything now in place, we're ready to begin — Councillor Mark Goldsmith explains more in the video below.
Buses will be operating a revised route during the closure, see the timetable changes to the 60 and 60A bus for more information.
We appreciate that the closure causes significant detours for regular users of the road, and we apologise for this inconvenience.
Diversion route
There is a signed diversion in place and members of the travelling public, including cyclists are advised to follow this. See the full diversion route.
This diversion route is on our gritting route. You can view all of our gritting routes using our interactive map: winter treatment network. The black lines show our gritting routes.
Further information:
- Emergency access will not be maintained due to the condition of the embankment and carriageway
- Emergency services are aware of the closure and the diversion arrangements are in place emergency vehicles
- The road closure is necessary to protect the safety of both members of the public and our workforce
- Diversion routes are in place and signed
- Local businesses remain open and access will be facilitated where possible via diversion routes
- Delays are expected and motorists should plan journeys
- Pedestrian and cyclist access will be maintained where possible and safe to do so
Progress update
- A temporary footbridge has been installed to maintain pedestrian and cyclist access.
- The initial excavation was completed ahead of schedule.
- During excavation works, an unexpected water flow and several unchartered land drains were discovered within the embankment. This required a larger excavation and a revised design to manage the issue. Works to address this are now nearing completion.
- Weatherproof sheeting has been removed following the Christmas and New Year break.
- Works to install the stabilisation membrane, which will reinforce the embankment, are underway and will continue as backfilling of the void progresses.
- A total of 1,400 tonnes of stone has been delivered to site and is being used to fill the void, with each layer compacted to ensure long-term stability.
- In total, 4,607 tonnes of spoil have been removed from the site.
- Drainage installation works have now commenced.
- Vegetation clearance and the installation of improved road signage along Macclesfield Road has begun.
Reinforcing membrane being covered.
Stone after being compacted.
Stone has been compacted.
Levels being built up with stone.
Membrane in place being covered with stone.
The land drain which has been discovered.
The depth of the excavations.
Craning the ballast into position.
The embankment covered in protective membrane.
Protecting the watercourse.
Excavation of the embankment.
Removal of the existing carriageway surface.
Footway to the new temporary bridge.
Embankment collapse.
Page last reviewed: 18 March 2026
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