The Government has agreed to fund the upgrade of a major arterial route in Sunderland, it has been announced.
It will contribute £21 million of the £23 million cost of the scheme on the A1018, which will act as a bypass for the Ryhope and Grangetown areas of the city.
The 5.3km road scheme will provide a single carriageway bypass for the road that links the city centre and port with the A19.
Transport Minister Tony McNulty said: "This is a very important scheme for Sunderland.
"The new road will bring significant benefits to local people by removing the majority of through traffic from Ryhope and Grangetown.
"It will also improve road safety, reduce problems of traffic noise and air pollution and enable public transport and pedestrian friendly measures to be introduced."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article