WORK on a controversial road bypass will start next month after plans got a final Government go-ahead.
The long-awaited £23million southern radial route will tackle gridlocked traffic in Grangetown and Ryhope, improving access between the city centre and port and the A19.
Today, the Government gave its final funding approval for the scheme, releasi
ng £21million to start the two-year building programme.
The road - the council's flagship transport project - will run from Hendon, along Commercial Road, skirting around Ryhope to meet the A19.
Transport Minister Tony McNulty said: "This is a very important scheme for Sunderland and I am pleased we can increase our investment.
"The new road will bring significant benefits to local people by removing the majority of through traffic from Ryhope and Grangetown improving road safety, reducing traffic noise and air pollution and enabling public transport and pedestrian friendly measures to be introduced."
The extra £1.5million cost comes after alterations to the original scheme were sparked by public protests.
Objectors forced a public inquiry into the plan two years ago, claiming the road would wreck the environment and ruin their lives. The planning inspector ruled against them.
James Place, 68, of Corporation Road, Hendon, has battled with Sunderland Council for the past 11 years after discovering his home - and those of three neighbours - were in the path of the new route.
"We are still fighting. I don't want to leave the area. First of all, it's my life and secondly, I can't replace this home."
The retired lorry driver and his wife Karen, 66, are facing losing their home of 43 years.
He said: "We have heard that work is starting in October, but nobody has actually told us anything. They have told everybody not involved, but not us, not the people losing their homes. They haven't got the courtesy to come down and see us."
Councillor Joe Lawson, cabinet member with the environment, development and transport portfolio, said: "We did have problems with the planning application, not all residents in the city were happy and I have sympathy with the plight of those who are going to be displaced. But this is in the best interests of the city. It will make it a much safer place and give a kick start to regeneration.
"We are highly delighted and just want to get on with the work."
