Work starts on cycle lane connecting city landmarks

Work has started on the cycle lane along Dame Dorothy Street in Sunderland

Work to create a cycle lane linking a city centre to the sea front has begun.

The two-way lane along Sunderland's Dame Dorothy Street will connect to a cycle path which runs the full stretch of A183 Whitburn Road.

The work, which is due to be completed by next spring, is funded by the Department for Transport's Active Travel England.

Sunderland City Council warned work to the two Harbour View bridges was also taking place at the same time "to minimise disruption".

Separating cyclists and pedestrians, as well as installing crossings at Whitburn Road, would allow people to safely access Roker Park and Cliff Park, a council spokesman said.

It would also "help more visitors enjoy the city's natural assets like Roker and Seaburn beaches", he added.

The cycle route will provide direct links to Sunderland's landmarks

The latest phase of work will see the segregated cycle path continue from Whitburn Road to Wearmouth Bridge.

The council said traffic management schemes were in place while work was ongoing.

A separate project to maintain the Harbour View Bridges in Roker was also being carried out at the "same time to minimise disruption", the spokesman added.

There will be no access from Harbour View to Benedict Road for approximately six weeks during the work.