This notice appeared on all bus stops in several areas of Sunderland advising passengers to contact Traveline or check the Nexus website for details of the various diversions.

On certain days the 26/36 service was diverted to run via Cleveland Road and Ettrick Grove, High Barnes. Go North East ‘Black Cats’ branded Dart MPD, 549 (NK53TKD), is seen in Cleveland Road about to turn right into Ettrick Grove – 28th July 2009.

‘Black Cats’ branded Dart MPD, 549 (NK53TKD), is seen climbing the steep hill on Ettrick Grove, High Barnes on the afternoon of 28th July 2009. This part of Ettrick Grove has never been served by a regular bus service.

Go North East Dart MPD, 522 (NK51MKE) carries a white livery with advertising for student travel and is seen in Cleveland Road – 28th July 2009.

Go North East ‘Black Cats’ branded Dart MPD, 550 (NK53TKE), seen making a left turn into Cleveland Road – 28th July 2009.

Stagecoach’s 18/19 services were re-routed from Kayll Road onto Hylton Road, St. Marks Road and Chester Road on a couple of days. Dennis Dart/Alexander, 32633 (P633PGP), is seen in Chester Road on the afternoon of 29th July 2009.

Go North East ‘Doxford Clipper branded Dart MPD, 547 (NA52AXN), is seen in St. Marks Road at the junction with Chester Road – 29th July 2009.

Not part of the diversions, but most definitely ‘off route’ was Go North East ‘Red Kite’ branded Scania Omnicity, 5238 (NK56KHF), seen in Chester Road, Sunderland. These buses normally work between Newcastle and Consett, so what the vehicle was doing in Sunderland is a mystery – 29th July 2009.

Stagecoach’s 18/19 services were diverted along Ewesley Road on several days, due to the closure of Ormonde Street. Alexander Dash bodied Dart, 32777 (N778RVK), is seen in Ewesley Road on the afternoon of 30th July 2009. This road has never been served by buses except for a school service in the 1970s.

Stagecoach North East’s Dart SLF, 35163 (NK56EPO), seen in Cleveland Road on the afternoon of 30th July 2009. This part of Cleveland Road has not been served by a bus service since May 2007 with the withdrawal of Redby Travel’s 14/14A services.

Rear view of Stagecoach North East Dart/Alexander, 32633 (P633PGP), seen in Ewesley Road on the afternoon of the 30th July 2009. The vehicle had just given way to oncoming traffic, this normally quiet residential street being overwhelmed by the large volume of traffic during the diversion.

Stagecoach North East Dart/Alexander, 32789 (P789WVK), seen in Ewesley Road about to negotiate a tight left turn into Cleveland Road – 30th July 2009.

Go North East ‘Red Arrow’ branded Mercedes-Benz Citaro, 5277 (NK07KPL), seen in Hylton Road working the X2 service to Newcastle – 31st July 2009.

Stagecoach North East MAN/Alexander ALX300, 22196 (T196MVM), seen in Holborn Road working the 16 service to Hastings Hill – 3rd August 2009.

Go North East ‘Red Arrow’ branded Mercedes-Benz Citaro, 5278 (NK07KPN), seen in Holborn Road on the morning of 3rd August 2009.

Go North East ‘Lime’ branded Volvo B10BLE/Wright, 4898 (V988ETN), seen in Holborn Road working the 78 service to Consett – 3rd August 2009.

Go North East ‘Silver Arrow’ branded Mercedes-Benz Citaro, 5323 (NK58DVZ), seen in Holborn Road working service 2A to Washington – 3rd August 2009.

Go North East ‘Silver Arrow’ branded Mercedes-Benz Citaro, 5324 (NK58DWA), seen picking up passengers in Holborn Road on the morning of 3rd August 2009. This bus stop has not been in use since May 2007.

Go North East ‘Red Arrow’ branded Mercedes-Benz Citaro, 5279 (NK07KPO), seen in Holborn Road – 3rd August 2009.

Stagecoach North East MAN/Alexander ALX300, 22081 (NK54BGZ), seen in Holborn Road on the morning of the 3rd August 2009, passing the normally disused bus stop/shelter.

An unusual sight (not only because of the location but because of the vehicle) was Go North East Northern Counties Palatine 2 bodied Volvo Olympian, 3828 (S828OFT), in Holborn Road, working the X2 service to Newcastle in place of the usual ‘Red Arrow’ branded Mercedes-Benz Citaro – 3rd August 2009.