Improvements planned for busy city junction

to update a busy junction in Sunderland have been announced.

Residents and businesses near the Burdon and Park roads junction are being consulted about the proposals by the city council.

The plans include more hi-tech signalling for cyclists and pedestrians, plus traffic island and safety improvements. More information and opportunities to comment are at: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk/BurdonRoad

On weekdays, between 7am and 7pm, up to 13,500 vehicles pass through the junction.

The council said signalling was first introduced at the site more than 40 years ago and it was last updated in 2000.

Coun Michael Mordey, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for City Services, said: “This council is committed to investing, updating and refreshing our city’s highways network.

“These plans are about making the junction safer and more convenient for cyclists and pedestrians, and new kerbside detection equipment would only stop traffic when the crossing is in use.”

“Improvements here would smooth traffic flows and provide a safer environment for all users whether they are in vehicles, on motorcycles or cycles, or pedestrians who are crossing the junction. Tell the council what you think.”

Funding has come from the Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plan grant and a North East Combined Authority (NECA) grant.

Subject to the consultation, works could start in the New Year.