Roads and bridges
We are responsible for the maintenance and repair of most roads and bridges in Sunderland. This page provides more information about our work, and allows you to report problems with roads and bridges in the city.
For up to date traffic reports visit one.network
Highways England maintain the network of motorways and A roads in city and wider North East region, for more information visit Yorkshire and North East - Highways England
Highway Maintenance Programme 2024-25
The highway maintenance programme below details the council's planned maintenance work on carriageways and footways. For ease of reference, the schemes have been assembled in Regeneration Areas.
The programme has been determined using information gathered from detailed condition assessments, accident claims, public reports and engineering judgement. Priority is based on the classification of the road, bus routes, type and number of vehicles, and location.
The work on principal roads has utilised detailed visual and machine condition surveys including SCANNER and SCRIM survey information.
The programme will be delivered through existing arrangements between the councils Highway Operations Section and the council's surfacing contractor.
Ward members, owners and occupiers of properties directly affected will be informed of the timing and duration of works. Major schemes will be notified through the press.
These maintenance schemes are being funded through the City Councils Capital Budget. To report a damaged or unsafe wall please contact the City and neighbourhood team.
The A19, A1, A1(M) and A194(M) are managed by Highways England (opens new window).
Scheme request feedback (PDF) [131KB]
Highway Maintenance Programme 2024 - 25
Network North Resurfacing Fund Q2 2024-25 (PDF) [64KB]
Network North Resurfacing Fund Q2 2024-25
Sunderland resurfacing programme dates - at 05/08/24
Highway maintenance schemes 2024-25 map
Highway Maintenance Schemes Coalfield 2024 25
Highway Maintenance Schemes East 2024 25
Highway Maintenance Schemes North 2024 25
Highway Maintenance Schemes Washington 2024 25
Highway Maintenance Schemes West 2024 25
Highway Maintenance Quarterly update 2024-25 (PDF) [51KB]
Additional DfT Funding for Highway Asset Maintenance
The attached documents outline where and what Sunderland Council has (or plans to spend) spent the additional funding that the DfT have provided in 2023 and in 2024/25.
Related downloads
2023-2024
Network North Roads Resurfacing Fund - 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Innovation and Streetworks Return
Highways Maint budgets for DfT return - 03 2024
High Speed Road Autumn Programme 4 2023
High Speed Road Autumn Programme 4 2023 Page 2
2023-2024 Highway Maintenance DBM Programme Issue 1
Sunderland Surfacing Programme 23-24 Issue 1
2022-2023
Sunderland Surfacing Programme 22-23 Issue 4
Sunderland Surfacing Programme 2022-23 Issue 3E
Sunderland Surfacing Programme 2022-23 Issue 3B
2022-2023 Highway Maintenance DBM Programme Issue 2
Sunderland HRA Surfacing Programme 22-23 Issue 2A
Obstructions and maintenance
Under the Highways Act 1980, the council has powers, as the Highway Authority, to ensure that the highways are kept clear of any obstructions. The council has the power to serve notice on a person who commits an offence of wilful obstruction of the highway and can, under certain circumstances, remove the obstruction and recharge the offender any costs involved. To report an obstruction, contact City and neighbourhoods using the contact details on this page.
We're also responsible for the maintenance of the roads of Sunderland. For ease of reference, all of the schemes have been assembled in Regeneration Areas. Select any area from the 'Related Downloads' section below to see details of work planned. You can give us feedback on road maintenance work that has taken place in the city using the Highways Maintenance Schemes questionnaire.
Weight limits
Weight restrictions are used to limit the impact of heavy goods vehicles on the infra-structure and in residential areas. A weight limit can be imposed to prevent damage to bridges, roads and buildings. Weight restrictions for environmental reasons can also be imposed after complaints or petitions from local residents or the public. These could be to prevent heavy goods vehicles using routes near schools, in residential areas, or between certain hours or days. In some instances restrictions may be applied where there is a better and equally convenient alternative route.
The normal environmental weight limit is 7.5 tonnes but there are some exceptions where a lower weight limit may be used.
Exemptions apply for vehicles requiring legitimate access to properties or business premises in the area covered by the environmental weight limit.
For more information on weight restrictions, contact the City and neighbourhood team.
Bridges and bridge strengthening
We are responsible for the maintenance and repair of most of the bridges in Sunderland.
We are also responsible for the construction and structural maintenance of both highways and bridges. This includes;
- Improvement of highways for new development works
- Designing and commissioning highways maintenance and improvement schemes
- Inspection, assessment, maintenance and improvement of bridges and highway structures
- Designing and commissioning street lighting maintenance and improvement schemes
- Managing the maintenance of traffic signal installations
- Carrying out safety and detail inspections
If you are concerned about the safety and maintenance of a bridge within the boundaries of Sunderland, please contact the City and neighbourhood team.
For bridges on the A19, please contact Highways England (opens new window).
Wall maintenance
Walls and fences that surround property and fields are erected and maintained by the land owner.
We will maintain and repair:
- Walls that support the structure of the highway - these are called highway retaining walls
- Walls retaining land that has been excavated in cutting to form a highway parapet wall on bridges
- Walls providing a safety barrier, for example a steep drop at the other side of the wall
Related Links
Road defects or potholes - The council is responsible for inspecting, repairing and maintaining all public roads across the city.
External Links
Highways Act 1980 (opens new window)- The Highways Act 1980
Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (opens new window) - Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000
New Road and Street Works Act 1991 (opens new window)- An Act to amend the law relating to roads so as to enable new roads to be provided by new means; to make new provision with respect to street works and, in Scotland, road works; and for connected purposes.
Local Transport Plan (opens new window) - Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plan
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