(10 Mar 2024, 3:08 pm)Storx wrote Cannot see it happening personally, don't know why but I have a feeling they'll get to Washington then for [insert reason] they can't do the rest of it.

The reasons being the A19 issue, the viaduct is too broken, cost too much etc. Not that it would be the end of the world, rather see the money spent elsewhere personally - the Washington to Pelaw bit should definitely be done though.

The business case wouldn't work with a Washington terminus. It'll be all or none, as far as the Wearside loop goes.

There'll be structural assessments done right across the route, long before the first shovel goes into the ground. It's not just the Viaduct, there's sections of elevated embankment and other structures. The A19 isn't that much of an issue, other than it'd need the current underpass replacing with something wider, and they can always go down slightly if they need more clearance. 

The biggest challenge is likely to be the crossing on Hylton Bank to connect to the existing South Hylton terminus. There's absolutely no way you can avoid having anything but a level crossing there, as there's no other way in or out.