Road project picks up regional award

A major road project in Sunderland has received an award for the way it was built.

Sunderland City Council’s strategic transport corridor scheme has been named Project of the Year in the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation awards for the North East and Cumbria.

The project, which forms the third phase of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC) project, was recognised for its collaborative efforts to manage the scheme throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

It will create a new 2.5km uninterrupted dual carriageway from the southern end of the Northern Spire bridge and continues through the former Pallion Shipyard, underneath the Queen Alexandra Bridge, into Deptford Terrace and onto Riverside Sunderland.

The project was able to go ahead as planned throughout lockdown, and quieter traffic flows allowed 40% of the work to be completed three months ahead of schedule.

Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “This award is a massive achievement for everyone involved. SSTC3 is an important project for Sunderland, and a key infrastructure investment for the council, providing access to Sunderland city centre for our communities and aiding community wealth.

“Despite lockdown restrictions, this project has safely progressed ahead of schedule, which is testament to the project team’s determination. I am delighted to see the team recognised with this prestigious award.”