Sheffield traffic: Snake Pass 'just passable' due to snow while closures put strain on roads near M1

The A628 Woodhead Pass between Sheffield and Manchester is shut this morning due to snow, while Snake Pass is described by AA Traffic as “just passable.”

Because of this, motorists heading for Manchester today are having to find alternative routes via the M1, which has put a strain on many roads near to junctions with the motorway and leading to widespread traffic jams.

The northbound Pleasley Road on Guilthwaite Hill, north of Aughton, is reportedly at a standstill around the junction with West Bawtry Road.

Sheffield Parkway leading into the city is seeing severe-if-typical delays of over 10 minutes.

The Sheffield ring road, especially on St Mary’s Road, Park Square Roundabout and Netherthorpe Road, is also severely delayed this morning.

Despite this, the M1 itself is coping well with additional demand this morning.

Neighbouring Rotherham is seeing severe delays on Centenary Way and Greasborough Street this morning as well.

In a statement, National Highways said: “The A628 Woodhead Pass is closed in both directions between the A616 (Hollingworth) and the A57 (Flouch) due to snow.

“Road users are advised to use the M60, M62 and M1 as an alternative route. Road users are also advised to allow extra time for their journey. Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey. “

Snow had been forecast on higher ground overnight and there is a yellow weather warning in place until 11am for ice amid a cold snap across the country.

According to the Met Office there will be a chance of rain throughout the day in Sheffield, with temperatures reaching no higher than 4C.

They will drop to 0C, although at times it will feel like -5C.