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. We will be carrying out geotechnic investigations soon.

Given the complexity of the situation and the necessary investigative work, it is too early to provide a definitive timeframe for reopening the road. We are hoping to start the works in summer 2025. Timescales are dependent on what is being identified from investigations and the necessary responses to those findings. We will provide updates to the public on this webpage and via our highways X account @CECHighways as soon 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