(10 Mar 2024, 5:21 pm)Adrian wrote 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.

Your probably right to be fair with the all or none.

I just can't see where the people are coming from between Washington <> Sunderland, especially considering this isn't going to be a 10p job to do. There's literally absolutely no reason why anyone from Sunderland would want to head along there as it serves nothing pretty much and going the other way is questionable aswell.

I still think the A19 will be the most costly bit though, the public right of way will be the biggest blocking point, especially the fact the farm is completely inaccessible without it. I know there was absolute hell on on up here over closing one of the pedestrian level crossings and it's something that got changed fast.

It's not as if they can just say, use 'x' instead because there's literally no reasonable alternative for a cycle unless you want them being forced onto Chester Road, obviously you could build cycle lanes for it but again it's more £££.

I'll be VERY surprised if this ever gets anywhere and I still think this is political so little old Sunderland can't be 'left out'. I do think the Leamside Line will be opened fully, at some point though.