Everything visitors to England v Australia at Stadium of Light need to know

A capacity crowd is expected for the match tonight, as Roy Hodgson’s Three Lions prepare for next month’s European Championships in France.

Tens of thousands of people will be travelling into the city and advice has been issued advising visitors of 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 of the Park and Ride scheme in place.


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 so they can enjoy our city centre and visit the Fan Zone at the Stadium of Light before and after the match.”

Roads immediately surrounding the stadium will be closed to all traffic and there is no parking or vehicle pick up or drop off areas on, or near to the site.

Vehicles travelling from the south are advised to take the A1018 or A690 exits from the A19 and park or drop off in the city centre.

The Stadium of Light is a five-minute walk away.

TRAVELLING BY ROAD


Vehicles from the north and west are advised to use Sunderland Enterprise Park – accessible via the A1231 Wessington Way, which is the event’s main Park and Ride site.

Construction work for the new bridge over the river Wear inevitably means there will be some roadworks in operation around the city, but traffic plans are in place to minimise disruption (please visit www.newwearcrossing.co.uk for more information).


Motorists are advised that one lane in each direction on the A1231 Wessington Way will be closed to traffic with speed limits in operation, while the Castletown Way junction is closed except for a left turn in for traffic travelling eastbound on the A1231.

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

METRO

Metro trains run regularly, with passengers advised to plan their journey in advance, leave extra time and check on-line for the latest updates at www.nexus.org.uk.


There will be a Metro train every 15 minutes during the day between Newcastle and Sunderland rising to a train every five minutes after 4pm, with the high-frequency service continuing after the event to make sure large crowds can get away from the venue safely.

All passengers going to the match should use St Peter’s station only, which is the nearest station to the stadium, before and after the match.

PARKING

There is no parking available on the stadium complex, with parking immediately around the Stadium of Light also extremely restricted. Residential streets in the vicinity of the Stadium of Light are also subject to Parking Permit restrictions.

Sunderland City Council has a number of car parks in operation across the city, with spaces available at sites including St Mary’s and Sunniside secure car parks.


In order to decrease congestion in car parks following the match, pre-paid parking will be available at St Mary’s and Sunniside car parks. To take up this offer, drivers should collect a ticket from the barrier, park their vehicle and take the ticket the car park’s main office to purchase the period of parking they require. Normal charges will apply and tickets will only be valid for the period purchased.


Prices for St Mary's are £1.20 per hour (8am - 6pm) and 60p per hour thereafter, and for Sunniside are £1 per hour (8am - 6pm) and 60p per hour thereafter. The match is expected to end by 10pm, and visitors are reminded to purchase enough parking time to cover their stay.

Extensive parking is also available at Sunderland University Peter’s Campus and City Campus. Spaces are available to use after 5pm on the day and will be operated by the Rotary Club with a fee of £2.

• There will be full advice for passengers on the travel information website www.nexus.org.uk and through North East Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

BUSES

Go North East is providing enhanced bus services around the Stadium of Light, including areas such as South Shields, both before and after the match.

Full advice is on the travel information website www.nexus.org.uk and through North East Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

TRAINS

Sunderland is served by a mainline railway station. For National Rail Enquiries, call 0845 7484 950.

Grand Central operate direct services to Sunderland city centre, 0844 811 0071.