Have your say on A690 cycle lane plans

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposals for a two-way segregated cycle-lane on A690 Durham Road.

Proposals would see a two-way cycle lane run along a rural stretch of the A690 Durham Road, starting at the City of Sunderland boundary at East Rainton, and joining the A690 from Old Durham Road via St Michaels.

The aim of the project is to reallocate existing road space to allow for full segregation between pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles.

It would also aim to improve and create sustainable transport links in and around Sunderland.

The route will link on the southern side of the Houghton Interchange at Houghton Road/ Dairy Lane. The cycle lane will continue down the slip road, via an on-carriageway cycle lane segregated from traffic by a buffer strip. Crossing facilities will be upgraded across Hillside Way, where the route will continue through Houghton Cut, terminating at the Interchange with the A19 and City Way.

As part of the plans, improvements will be made to crossing facilities across each slip road, with links to Houghton Town Centre shopping area, which has secure cycle storage

Maintaining a two-way vehicle flow would have no significant impact on motorists.

Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Claire Rowntree said: "The proposed cycle route supports the council's commitment to create a healthier and greener city by promoting the use of alternative, sustainable modes of transport like cycling.

"I would encourage residents to view the proposals online and submit their views. This is an opportunity for people living in Sunderland to engage with the council's vision and provide us with valuable feedback on the proposed segregated two-way cycle lane."

It is proposed that the works will commence in Spring 2022 and are anticipated to be complete by Spring 2023.

The proposed scheme has enabled substantial funding to be secured for the delivery of the project from the Department for Transport, the Transforming Cities Fund and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

To find out more about the proposals and have your say, please visit www.sunderland.gov.uk/A690. Alternatively you can collect a questionnaire from Houghton Library. Any comments can also be submitted to: IC.consultations@sunderland.gov.uk

Please submit your comments by 21 January 2022.