Work to improve accessibility on a traffic-free section of National Cycle Network Route 7 - which makes up the popular C2C route has officially started. As part of the work funded by National Highways, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and Sunderland City Council will be removing or redesigning physical barriers on the path to improve access for all users.
This stretch of the Network is part of the popular C2C challenge ride which is completed by an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people per year. Credit: Danny Morris
Closure at Hylton Bridge (Route 7)
A section of Route 7 (also known as C2C) at Hylton Bridge, between Sunderland and Washington, will be subject to a full closure from November 2025 until early February 2026 to allow construction works to improve the path.
Two diversion options will be available during the closure:
- Option 1 follows an entirely sealed surface suitable for all users and is largely traffic-free, with some quiet on-road sections. This route is indirect and is expected to add approximately 20 minutes to journey times.
- Option 2 is more direct but uses field margins which are uneven and likely to be muddy, making it unsuitable for all users. Please note that Option 2 will not be available during early to mid-January due to construction works preventing access.
Making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle
Work will soon be underway to improve a one-mile section of the Network (Route 7) which forms part of the C2C or Sea to Sea challenge route.
Work is due to begin on Thursday 23 October 2025. Construction traffic will be using Ferryboat Lane to access the site for the duration of the works. Please take care if you plan to use this route.
The project, funded by National Highways aims to encourage more people to travel sustainably by providing a smooth, wide and dry route that can be used all year round.
Along with making the path accessible to everyone including people who use wheelchairs, adapted cycles and horse riders too.
The accessibility improvements, on the traffic-free section between Hylton Bridge and Barmston Lane, Washington, includes:
- widening the path from 1-2 metres wide to between 2.5 and 3.5 metres
- redesigning and removing physical barriers, also known as access controls
- cutting back vegetation either side of the path
- replacing the current dust and stone surface with a more solid surface (material to be confirmed)
- raising the path to prevent flooding.
The work to raise the path is set to prevent flooding. Credit: Josh Morland
A popular path for leisure and commuting
As well as being part of the popular C2C challenge ride which is completed by an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 people per year, the path is also well used by commuters travelling to many of the large employers in the area.
Map of the works area. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Route closures during the work
The work is expected to take around three months to complete (subject to delays).
While every effort has been made to minimise disruption, due to the nature of the works, closures and diversions will be in place while construction work is carried out.
We have worked to design the best diversions possible, however, we are aware that they are not suitable for all users and understand that there will be some disruption to journeys.
Route diversions
Starting Thursday 23 October 2025, a temporary diversion will be in place for approximately four weeks (subject to delays).
The diversion is entirely surfaced and is largely traffic-free. However, it is indirect and may add considerable time to your journey so please plan accordingly.
Construction work will be carried out over two phases with a separate diversion for each.
Once this initial phase of construction is complete, the affected section will reopen and a more direct diversion will be introduced for the remainder of the works.
If you have any comments, queries or concerns about the project, you can get in touch with us via email.
The area in yellow is where the route is closed. The blue sections show where the route is open and the black line shows the route diversion.
