Third phase of £70.8m North East urban infrastructure project underway

A multi-million pound infrastructure project that has provided work for more than 25 Sunderland businesses is currently in its third phase.

The Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC3) scheme has enlisted the support of 27 local businesses with a range of contracts.

Led by local construction firm Esh Group, the project aims to establish a strategic public transport corridor connecting Washington, Nissan, the new Enterprise Zones and the A19 with the city centre and Port of Sunderland.

Cllr Michael Mordey, deputy leader of Sunderland City Council and cabinet member for environment and transport, commented: “I am delighted to see so much of the work on this important project awarded to Sunderland-based companies, with all the benefits that brings with it in terms of local jobs created and money spent with companies in the local economy.

“As a council, we’ve always said how important it is to continue investing in our city’s infrastructure so that we keep people and goods and services moving freely and conveniently. The dual carriageway here is a key part of that investment as we look to the future.”

One of the local companies involved in the scheme is Northumbrian Roads Ltd, a Sunderland-based road surfacing business.

Chris Dancer, chairman of Northumbrian Roads, added: “We are delighted to be part of a scheme which provides sustainable local employment, and with surfacing materials sourced from within Sunderland, gives many reciprocal added value benefits to the city.

“We have been the preferred maintenance contractor to Sunderland City Council for over 25 years and also have a long-standing relationship working with Esh Group, so this scheme provided the perfect supply chain relationship.”

“Having already surfaced both Phase 1 of this project (St Mary’s Boulevard) and Phase 2 (Northern Spire Bridge), working on Phase 3 represents a great hat trick for us.”

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