Macclesfield Road, Rainow – Embankment and carriageway collapse

The embankment supporting the B5470 Macclesfield, midway between Ginclough and Kettleshulme collapsed together with part of carriageway recently.

Before the recent 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 the recent significant rainfall to be a contributary factor to the sudden subsidence, which was unexpected.

The road remains closed for safety reasons while investigative works are carried out to deliver a permanent solution. These investigations will include assessing the condition of the embankment and the surrounding area. The ecology survey is now complete, and the drainage survey is near completion.

In June, we will conduct geotechnical investigations, including drilling boreholes up to 20 metres deep. This is essential for understanding ground conditions and ensuring a safe, efficient structural design for repairs.

To ensure we've got this right and prioritise everyone's safety, the road closure remains in place while investigations continue. We've extended the necessary permit to secure the road space to undertake the works. This also means no other work will happen nearby, minimising further disruption. We understand this is frustrating for residents and businesses, and we're working hard to reopen the road as soon as it's safe to do so. 

The investigation findings of this complex investigation will inform the design and schedule of the work. At this point, we cannot provide a specific reopening date and the closure permit provides cautious timescale that may be shorter. We will update on this webpage and via our highways X account @CECHighways as more information becomes available.

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.

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