Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) - A183 Chester Road Scheme Overview
Background
The Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) is a UK Government funded initiative to implement a wide range of significant proposed improvements to various aspects of bus services. These improvements will be delivered through the North East Enhanced Partnership, a formal partnership of the North East Combined Authority, bus operators, local authorities and Nexus.
The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has successfully secured £163.5 million funding from the Department for Transport by demonstrating the continuous commitment to improving and promoting alternative modes of sustainable transport.
This includes setting out ambitious targets to:
- Improve bus journey times
- ensure services run on time
- increase passenger satisfaction
- aspirations for all buses to be zero emission by 2030
For more information in detail please visit the BSIP website at www.buscentreofexcellence.org.uk/resources/bsips
The proposed route
The proposed bus improvement corridor will run from the A183 Chester Road/Hastings Hill junction down to the junction with Chester Road / Broadmayne Avenue
While two bus priority lanes were included as part of the original proposals, consultation feedback made it clear that these were not supported. As a result, we will not be implementing bus priority lanes.
Instead, we are focusing Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding on the improvements that matter most to residents - enhancing road safety, improving accessibility to existing Bus stops, and upgrading key transport infrastructure along both corridors.
Retained improvements - A183 Chester Road:
- Full signalisation of Hastings Hill Roundabout, including a new signal-controlled pedestrian crossing to replace the existing underpass
- Improvements to Pennywell Road Roundabout, including a new controlled pedestrian crossing
- Upgraded pedestrian accessibility to all bus stops, including new carriageway and footway surfacing
- Removal of Artstone shelters and installation of modern glass bus shelters
- Introduction of lane destination markings at Grindon Mill Roundabout to support existing advance direction signs
- Installation of tactile paving at all minor junctions, improving accessibility to bus stops
These revisions ensure that investment is focused where it is most needed and most welcomed. They also reflect our role as a listening council—committed to transparency, accountability, and putting Sunderland's residents first.
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet (PDF, 18 MB)
Springwell Road (The Broadway) Roundabout
During the engagement process, concerns were raised by residents and stakeholders regarding congestion at the Springwell Road / Chester Road (The Broadway) roundabout. In 2023, the design team undertook a detailed study, including traffic surveys and independent modelling, to assess the feasibility of introducing traffic signals at this location.
The modelling results indicated that signalisation would lead to increased congestion and delays for all road users. Consequently, this junction was excluded from the current BSIP works package. Nevertheless, recognising the importance of this location and the feedback received, we will be undertaking further investigations as a standalone scheme. This will allow us to explore alternative solutions aimed at improving traffic flow and enhancing pedestrian safety and accessibility.
The modelling result videos can be viewed below.
The full technical note from JCT Consultancy can be viewed below.
Technical note by JCT Consultancy (PDF, 11 MB)
FAQs
1. What are the timescales for delivering the scheme?
The works are planned to commence in January and take 12 months to complete.
2. How will this scheme be funded?
The project is 100% externally funded from the Department for Transport's Bus Service Improvement Plan via North East Combined Authority Regional Funding
3. Can this money be spent on other projects?
No, this Government funding is for improving bus service infrastructure only.
4. What will happen to the traffic travelling along the route?
Traffic will be able to use the route during the improvement works, and any disruption during the period will be kept to a minimum
Previous drawings
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet 1 (PDF, 2 MB)
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet 2 (PDF, 2 MB)
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet 3 (PDF, 2 MB)
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet 4 (PDF, 2 MB)
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet 5 (PDF, 2 MB)
BSIP Chester Road General Arrangement Sheet 6 (PDF, 2 MB)
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