Deadline looms to have say on Sunderland two-way traffic plans

Plans for Monkwearmouth include introducing two-way traffic for all drivers approaching Wearmouth Bridge from the north and on Dame Dorothy Street, with a new junction for access from, and into North Bridge Street.

Council bosses say the plans will provide a more direct route into the city centre and cut down on travelling distance for people, as well as reducing traffic on Roker Avenue and Church Street North.

Work could begin next year and would be completed before the Tall Ships race arrives on the Wear in 2018.

The city council has already identified a budget of £4million for the project.

Public consultation is under way and comments can be made by feedback forms.

Plans are also on show at locations across the city and at www.sunderland.gov.uk/northbridgestreetComments should be received by 5pm next Monday.

Coun Michael Mordey, the council’s Portfolio Holder for City Services, said: “The city council is very much committed to further improving our city’s road and wider transport network.

“As well as improving journey times and our built environment, work on our infrastructure helps attract more private sector investment.

“We now want to hear what everyone thinks of these plans for North Bridge Street.”

Plans of the scheme are on display at Monkwearmouth Station Museum, Sunderland City Council Customer Service Centre in Fawcett Street and Bede’s Bakehouse at St Peter’s Church, where there are boxes for returning comment forms, and also at Tesco Extra on Roker Retail Park, but there is no box for forms.