Weekend road closures

Drivers are reminded of upcoming road closures this weekend as the South Sunderland Growth Area works take another step forward.

As part of the B1286 City Way Widening scheme, the stretch of carriageway between Monarch Way roundabout and Camberwell Way will be closed on Saturday 8 May, with a diversion route implemented around Silksworth Road to allow for temporary lane markings and traffic management barriers to be put in place.

This section will reopen on Sunday 9 May, while the eastern section between Camberwell Way and Doxford Park Way roundabout will be closed with a diversion in place.

On Monday 10 May, two narrow running lanes will be in place along the northern part of the existing carriageway while work is carried out on the new stretch of road in the existing southern verge.

Throughout the closures access will be maintained to Oak Tree Farm and Doxford International Business Park.

Once complete, the overall project will address the anticipated increase in traffic due to the expansion of housing developments in the South Sunderland Growth Area between Ryhope and Doxford Park.

Work to date includes an additional lane added to the A19 southbound exit slip road and westbound B1286 City Way. Alterations to traffic signal equipment, street lighting, footways and landscaping within these areas are also near completion.

Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, Peter McIntyre said: "Maintaining our city's highways and transport links are a high priority and these works are part of our City Plan for a more dynamic, healthy and vibrant Sunderland.

"This programme represents another positive step towards delivering the necessary infrastructure works to support the South Sunderland Growth Area, which is a big part of our city's future as we address our housing needs across the city. This work will deliver the road infrastructure and junction improvements needed for the developments.

"We understand the road closures may inconvenience some drivers, so they are being carried out over a weekend to minimise disruption. We appreciate residents and motorists ongoing co-operation during this project."