A1231
UK government extends funding support to upgrade A1231 road in Sunderland. Credit: © Crown copyright.

The UK Government has sanctioned more than £40.5m in funding to upgrade a section of the A1231 road between Northern Spire bridge and Sunderland city centre to a dual carriageway.

The proposed dual carriageway will entail an overall investment of £70.2m and is expected to cut journey times.

It is the third phase of the project aimed at improving journeys along the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor. Its completion will support regeneration of sites on both sides of the river.

Roads Minister Jesse Norman said: “The government is investing record amounts to improve travel in towns and cities across Britain.

“Sunderland is a great city with a great future. We hope the schemes we are funding will help to unleash its potential, creating jobs and enabling new homes, and turbocharge the Northern Powerhouse.”

“Transport Secretary Chris Grayling recently announced £10m funding for cycleways and bus routes across the north-east as part of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.”

Additionally, the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor will deliver a quality dual carriageway link between the Nissan car manufacturing facility, Enterprise Zone, International Advanced Manufacturing Plant (IAMP) development and the city and Port of Sunderland.

Separately, Highways England has launched work on the £125m Testos roundabout scheme, which will enhance links to the IAMP.

Further up the A19, the Triple Decker Roundabout at the A1058 is nearing completion. These schemes are expected to reduce journey times and improve safety.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling recently announced £10m funding for cycleways and bus routes across the north-east as part of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

More than half of the fund will be used to improve roads for cyclists, including new route connections in Sunderland.

This funding is the first round of the £1.3bn fund for 12 cities across England, which will be invested to improve commuter routes into business centres to boost productivity and the economy.