Planned rail and road works set to bring weeks of travel disruption - here's what you need to know
“This is a significant programme of upgrades over four weekends to improve the reliability and resilience of the railway for passengers in the Sunderland area”
People with travel plans face a prolonged period of potential disruption as work continues on a £6m package of rail upgrades being delivered by Network Rail in the Sunderland area at the same time as a number of roads are set be closed for resurfacing.
Rail engineering works are set to take place across the weekends of 11-12 and 18-19 July. The work includes 664 metres of track renewal through both platforms at Sunderland station for smoother, more reliable journeys for passengers and a complete renewal of eight sets of points – the sections of track allowing trains to switch between lines – to improve reliability of this important equipment.
These switches and crossings allow Nexus Metro services to access the main line and allow operators to access the sidings where trains reverse when they start or terminate at Sunderland.
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The works will also include the renewing point heating equipment, which warms the rails to prevent snow and ice accumulating, helping to keep the equipment working and train services running in cold weather.
During this period, there will be alternative travel provision including Grand Central services between Sunderland and London King’s Cross will only operate between Seaham/Hartlepool and London King’s Cross, with rail replacement buses operating between Sunderland and Seaham/Hartlepool.
On Sundays, the first train to London will start from Eaglescliffe at 09.24, with a replacement bus running from Sunderland at 07.40 to Eaglescliffe to connect with the train.
No Metro trains will run between Brockley Whins and South Hylton. A replacement bus service – number 901 – will run in both directions.
Gunnar Lindahl, joint operations director for Network Rail and LNER, said: “This is a significant programme of upgrades over four weekends to improve the reliability and resilience of the railway for passengers in the Sunderland area.
“This includes renewing track, points and drainage, as well as improvements at level crossings and other locations. We know this work will disrupt journeys and we’re sorry for any inconvenience but these weekends of intensive engineering work will deliver significant benefits for passengers.”
Sunderland City Council has also announced a programme of resurfacing works which will result in a number of roads being closed during the summer.
On Sunday 12 July the north side of the A1018 Raich Carter roundabout will be closed, whilst on Sunday 2 August and Sunday 9 August the B1286 Herrington Road will be closed.
Stretches of the A1231 in Washington will be closed overnight between Monday 3 August and Friday 7 August.
The City Council said the re-surfacing programme is the result of condition assessments, traffic volumes, public reports and accident data, as well as feedback from the city’s five Area Neighbourhood and Community Boards.
Councillor Bill Blackett, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Enforcement, said: "Maintaining and improving the condition of our roads is essential to keeping Sunderland moving safely and efficiently. These resurfacing schemes are part of our ongoing investment in the city's transport infrastructure, helping to provide smoother, safer journeys for residents, businesses and visitors.
"We appreciate that roadworks can cause some temporary inconvenience, which is why we have scheduled much of this work during off-peak periods and on Sundays wherever possible to reduce disruption. We would like to thank motorists and local communities for their patience while these important improvements are carried out.”