'One of final phases' of link road scheme

Plans have been lodged for “one of the final phases” of a key highway scheme.

An application has been submitted to Sunderland City Council planning department for earthworks to facilitate the construction of phase four of the Ryhope Doxford Link Road (RDLR).

The 30mph road is to run between Highclere Drive, Rushford, and the Cherry Knowle area of Ryhope.

As part of the proposals for the stretch known as the “missing link”, there would alsobeabridgebuiltrunning above the road near Burdon Lane for pedestrians and cyclists.

The plans have been submitted by City Council bosses, who earlier this year outlined details about the £9millionroute,statingitwill ensure Sunderland South is able to handle the growing number of people living there. A planning statement, submitted by the council in support of the development, said the work would contribute towards a crucial transport network in the area.

Itsaid:“Thedevelopment proposal,whichformsoneof the final phases of a continuous high-standard transport corridor between RyhopeandDoxford,isa much-needed facility that will unlock andprovideaccess to land for a number of new housing developments.

A design and access statement added the phase four work, linking between the Cherry Knowle site and land north of Burdon Lane, is “critical to the completion of the RDLR”.

The highway passes beneath Burdon Lane, which will be supported by a new four-metre wide bridge.

Workisduetobegininthe autumn or winter and last 12 months.