University Metro station subway due to re-open after 6 month closure

A key access route to University Metro station from Thornhill and Ashbrooke is due to re-open after a 6 month closure.

The subway under Durham Road which links University Metro station and Sunderland University's City Campus with nearby Thornhill and Ashbrooke has been out of action since January 2020 after it was hit by a massive arson attack.

The closure forced residents living nearby to risk jumping fences in the middle of the A690 dual carriageway or using a lengthy detour to find somewhere else to cross the road.

After 6 months of delay, Sunderland City Council are finally finishing works to replace light fittings this week which will get the subway back open for public use, restoring easy access to University Metro station

Commenting, local Lib Dem councillor for Millfield and Thornholme Niall Hodson said:

"The subway under Durham Road next to Royal Courts is absolutely vital for people in Thornhill and Ashbrooke to be able to access University Metro station and the University's city campus.

"Whilst fewer people than usual have been using the Metro station during lockdown, it has still caused a lot of upheaval, denying people easy, direct access to the Metro for 6 months whilst waiting for the Council to get it cleaned, repaired and re-opened.

"Thankfully, work is resuming this week and with a bit of luck the subway should re-open shortly. When it does open again I'll be fighting to get the Council to improve lighting and regularly clean it."