Fans advised to leave time for journeys ahead of England v Australia match

Picture:  Richard Sellers/EMPICS Sport/A Sunderland FC Flag at the Stadium of Light.
Picture: Richard Sellers/EMPICS Sport/A Sunderland FC Flag at the Stadium of Light.

International football fans travelling to the Stadium of Light for the game between England and Australia next week have been advised to leave plenty of time for their journeys to the match.

A sell-out crowd is expected for the friendly on Friday May 27, which kicks off at 7:45pm, as the international team prepares for the European Championships in France this summer.

Sunderland City Council has been working with Sunderland Football Club and community partners to help fans and make their journeys and stay as enjoyable as possible.

They will provide advice on the best routes into the city, information on traffic restrictions, where best to park and the best public transport options to get to and from the match, including details about a Park and Ride scheme.

This is to accommodate the tens of thousands of people expected to travel into the city to enjoy the occasion.

Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said. “Every England supporter will be looking forward to this match, particularly those lucky enough to have tickets for the game in Sunderland, and we want to make the occasion as memorable and enjoyable as possible.

“This obviously includes making their journey to and from the game as easy and stress-free as possible, with a gentle reminder to set off early on their journeys so they have time to enjoy our city centre and visit the Fan Zone at the Stadium of Light before and after the match.”

Traffic plans have been put in place to minimise the disruption of construction work for the new bridge being built over the river Wear.

This will inevitably result in roadwork operations on the day but supporters have been advised to visit www.newwearcrossing.co.uk for more information.

Motorists have been warned that one lane in each direction on the A1231 Wessington Way will be closed to traffic with speed limits in operation.

Castletown Way junction will also be closed except for a left turn in for traffic travelling eastbound on the A1231.

Anyone who is travelling into the city may also want to avoid the on-going roadworks in Pallion, where European Way is closed with diversions and temporary traffic lights in operation.

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