Joy as funding finally agreed to replace ‘worst roundabout in Sunderland’
The North East Joint Transport Committee agreed yesterday (18th July) to allocate £33.2million of funding from the Government to upgrade traffic signals and key junctions across the region as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan.The plans include proposals for a multi-million pound upgrade of the Chester Road / Springwell Road / Holborn Road roundabout, regularly dubbed the worst roundabout in Sunderland.
The scheme will see the removal of the small roundabout entirely, replacing it with a traffic signal junction using new technology to optomise green light times by adapting to traffic levels on all 4 approaches. It would also allow for proper pedestrian crossings at the junction for the first time.
The scheme is designed to avoid buses sitting in the huge queues that build up at rush hours – but is also set to benefit motorists and pedestrians as well as bus passengers. Sunderland Council expects work to begin on site in Spring 2025.
Commenting, Lib Dem councillor for Grindon and Springwell Paul Edgeworth said: “There is absolutely no doubt that this terrible junction is the worst roundabout in Sunderland. It’s just too small for the volumes of traffic using it, leading to huge tailbacks at rush hours and regular accidents on the roundabout itself.
“Improving the junction with a modern set of lights that can adapt to traffic levels should improve the traffic flows, which are much higher than they once were with Springwell Road and Holborn Road now leading up to the new Spire Bridge. This upgrade is something that local people across Grindon, Springwell, High Barnes, Nookside and Hylton Lane Estate have been crying out for for decades – and which local Lib Dem councillors have been campaigning on for years.
“With new funding finally allocated to upgrade this junction an end to these terrible tailbacks and accidents is finally in sight. Council bosses now need to develop plans and get cracking on upgrading this junction as quickly as possible.”
