SUNDERLAND City Council has thanked the thousands of motorists who took the time to give travel and destination details as part of a city-wide survey.
More than 5,500 (5,635) postcards were returned as part of a survey held on Wednesday 23 September.
A total of 38,589 cards were distributed with 14 per cent returned. The numbers returned were in line with expectations.
The cards were part of a wider three-week survey. It was analysing and counting traffic and vehicle movements as part of the development, design and modelling work for the £45m Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor Phase 3.
Councillor Michael Mordey, the City Council’s Portfolio Holder for City Services, said: “Thanks to everyone who took the time and trouble to reply. The council does appreciate it and it is part of this bigger project that can benefit us all in the long-term.”
The September traffic survey met guidance and requirements set down by the Department for Transport.
Cllr Mordey added: “The returns are in-line with expectations, experiences and similar surveys held by other local authorities.
“Along with the roadside traffic counts, all the information is helping with further planning for this major road improvement scheme. The scheme is part of this council’s commitment to improving our city’s road network. Thanks again for everyone who took the time to complete the survey.”
In June 2014, the City Council’s Cabinet agreed to allocate a sum of £600,000 towards initial design and development works for Phase 3 of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor. This included surveys and traffic modelling.
The corridor is a £45m project to complete a continuous dual-carriageway from the A19 into the city centre.
It is being designed to improve opportunities for regenerating key riverside sites including Pallion, Deptford and Farringdon Row. And, alongside the £100m New Wear Crossing project it will reduce congestion and improve access to the city centre and other key employment sites.
The cost of Roadside Interview surveys (including preparation and planning, printing, traffic management, handing-out, data collation and analysis) was £26,000 as part of the allocated project budget.
Works for Phase 3 of the corridor are currently being programmed for a start in 2018 and completion in 2019/20.
