Work begins on third phase of £70.8m infrastructure improvement project

Work is starting on the next phase of a multi-million pound improvement project on Sunderland’s road network.

The third phase of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC 3) will see the construction of a dual carriageway from the Northern Spire through Pallion and Deptford onto the city centre and St Mary’s Boulevard.

The £70.8m project, funded by the government, council and DfT, is expected to be completed by 2021, and aims to boost the city’s infrastructure and improve routes for residents, visitors and businesses.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Cllr Graeme Miller, said: “As a city, we cannot stand still. We have to develop and we have to invest in our infrastructure.

“The dual carriageway here is a long-term investment project from the council that has received widespread support in the city, in the region, and from the strong business case that we put to ministers and the Department for Transport.”

“The dual carriageway and the whole transport project corridor, including the magnificent Northern Spire, is about improving access across Sunderland and opening up more land that can be developed for housing and business.”

North East firm Esh Civils won a £35m contract to work on the project, specifically the design of all retaining walls which has been ongoing since March.

Steve Conn, divisional director of Esh Civils said: “Esh Civils is extremely pleased to have been selected to construct the next phase of carriageway linking the Northern Spire and city centre.

“We have a proven track record of infrastructure delivery across a range of sectors and have established a first-class team of professionals to work with our client and our local supply chain to deliver this project.”