Project afoot to get folk walking
Work has started on a project to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians in Sunderland.
The Silksworth ‘Access for All’ scheme is currently under way – creating dropped crossings in the area to give pedestrians safe places to cross roads.
The new crossings are being put in place to give residents safe routes in areas with high footfall such as transport hubs, shopping areas, and doctors’ surgeries.
It is hoped that making pedestrian areas safer and more accessible will encourage residents to be less reliant on using cars and they will instead choose to walk or use more sustainable forms of transport.
The work is currently being carried out in Silksworth after residents requested more accessible crossings in the area, and the new dropped crossings are being installed on Trident Road, Seaham Street, Cypress Square, and Mary Street.
These streets were identified as a priority when an investigation showed that the crossings in the area required
improvement, and officers are currently developing similar schemes to improve accessibility in locations across the city.
Silksworth ward councillor, Cllr Phil Tye, said: “Residents asked us about the possibility of having dropped kerbs installed as there was no safe access route without travelling onto the roads, and the ward councillors requested the work to be added to the priority list. This is an example of Sunderland City Council listening to its residents.
“Already residents are commenting on how their lives will improve as it becomes easier to move about the area more freely and independently without relying on others for help.”
Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for dynamic city, Cllr Kevin Johnston, said: "We are always listening to our residents’ concerns and we are committed to improving accessibility so I am delighted to see work start on a programme that will improve accessibility and road safety in Silksworth.
"Being unable to cross roads safely can be a barrier that prevents people from moving around the city, so I hope that this improved accessibility can help make day-to-day trips easier for everyone who needs them."
The work is now under way and is due to be completed next month.