Firefighters could remain at the scene of a moorland blaze until Sunday, July 19, National Highways has warned, after a vehicle fire spread to moorland beside the A628 Woodhead Pass.
Road closed and major routes affected
The Woodhead Pass is closed in both directions between the A616 Langsett and the A57 Hollingworth. The closure has been in place since around 3.30pm on Thursday, July 16, with drivers diverted onto local roads. Some motorists have been forced to use alternative Trans-Pennine corridors including the M1, M62 and M60.
Emergency response and public safety
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is leading the response to the incident. Crews from neighbouring counties, including Derbyshire, have been tackling moorland fires in the wider Tintwistle area in recent days, and fire services have repeatedly urged people to avoid the moors while operations continue.
- Location: A628 Woodhead Pass, between A616 Langsett and A57 Hollingworth
- Cause: Vehicle fire which spread to adjacent moorland
- Status: Closed both directions since c. 3.30pm, Thursday 16 July
- Estimated presence of crews: Possible until Sunday 19 July (National Highways)
National Highways confirmed the carriageway remains closed and has not indicated whether the route will reopen before fire crews depart the scene.
Local impact and travel advice
The Woodhead Pass is a key route linking Greater Manchester with parts of South Yorkshire and Derbyshire. The prolonged closure is likely to lengthen journey times for commuters and freight, and increase traffic on alternative Motorways serving Trans-Pennine traffic.
| Recommended alternatives | Notes |
|---|---|
| M1 | Major north–south route; likely to see additional traffic |
| M62 | Primary Trans-Pennine corridor; use with caution due to expected delays |
| M60 | Manchester orbital; can be used for local diversion routes |
Drivers planning travel between Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire or Derbyshire should allow extra time, check traffic updates and consider delaying non-essential journeys. Local drivers have been diverted onto smaller roads that may not be suitable for heavy vehicles.
Fire crews in Derbyshire have been battling several wildfires in recent days, particularly around Tintwistle, where authorities have warned people to stay off the moors to avoid putting themselves and the emergency services at risk.
National Highways and the emergency services continue to monitor the situation. Further updates will be issued if the road is reopened or the operational situation changes.
"Firefighters could remain at the scene of a moorland fire until Sunday (July 19), National Highways has warned."
