£10.9m programme to upgrade Sunderland's roads

Roads, bridges and transport across Sunderland are set to be improved as the City Council's Cabinet will consider a £10.9 million programme of improvement and maintenance works.

The 2026/27 Highway Maintenance, Bridge Maintenance and Integrated Transport Capital Programme outlines the roads and structures scheduled for repair or renewal, as well as transport projects aimed at improving safety, accessibility and sustainable travel.

Transport work planned as part of the programme includes improvements to traffic signals, the introduction of more 20mph zones in residential areas, traffic calming and improved traffic enforcement.

As part of its budget for the next 12 months, the council has also already allocated a further £1m for pothole repairs.

The programme includes schemes across all five areas of the city, with priorities identified through surveys, traffic data, accident reports, and feedback from residents and ward councillors.

The City Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Net Zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard, said: "A well-maintained, safe and accessible highway network is vital for keeping the city moving.

"Many of the proposed schemes support wider city goals, including reducing congestion, improving air quality, supporting public transport, and encouraging active travel. Road safety schemes, including speed management measures, will also help reduce accidents and antisocial driving.

"We are now looking again to ensure the highways maintenance and delivery programme goes to those projects that are the greatest in need."

The new schedule will include improvements to roads in all areas of the city. Re-surfacing will be programmed for sections of the A182 in Copt Hill and Houghton, A1018 St. Nazaire Way in Hendon and Ryhope, and part of A1231 in Washington.

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet will discuss the Highway Maintenance (including bridges) and Integrated Transport Capital Programme 2026-2027 when it meets on Thursday 26 March.

The locations and dates for next year's programme will be outlined in the coming months.