If you’re planning on travelling near the Stadium of Light in Sunderland this weekend, there are several road closures in place that you might want to be aware of.

This is due to the Sunderland vs Newcastle United FA Cup match taking place on Saturday (January 6).

It will be Newcastle’s first derby match since March 2016, when they played out a 1-1 draw in the Premier League.

Stadium of Light road closures on Saturday, January 6

The Sunderland A.F.C website explains: “Supporters are advised that several vehicle lockdowns have been implemented on matchdays at the Stadium of Light for the 2023-24 season.

“The new measures, which are in agreement with the local Safety Advisory Group, will enhance supporter safety and allow crowds to successfully disperse following the full-time whistle before the roads reopen.

“Vehicles will not be able to access the stadium site from 30 minutes prior to kick off until the fixture in question has started, with the stadium site once again locking down 30 minutes before the final whistle.

“The roads will then reopen to vehicles wishing to depart or enter the stadium site once major crowds have dispersed. Vehicle's [sic] in West Stand car parks will not be allowed to leave until at least one hour after the game for public safety and the police operation.”

Additional road closures for the match this weekend are as follows:

  • Sheepfolds and Millenium Way will be locked down from 6am
  • Kier Hardie Way will be closed from 1.30pm to 4pm
  • Vaux Brewery Way will be closed from 7am

Earlier this week, it was announced that police have banned Newcastle United fans from using public transport to get to the FA Cup derby.

Following safety discussions between the authorities and the two clubs, 6,000 away fans will be at the Stadium of Light.

All Newcastle United supporters must travel to the FA Cup game on designated coaches from St James’s Park and fans will not receive their match ticket until they get off at the Stadium of Light.

Chief Superintendent Neil Hutchison, of Northumbria Police, explained it would not be safe to allow such large numbers of Newcastle fans to use public transport to get to the match.

He said: “Ever since the fixture was announced, extensive discussions have been held with all parties and a lot of work has been ongoing to facilitate the safe delivery of such a large-scale event.

“As a result, all partners involved agreed to a number of conditions. This includes, in order to facilitate a 6,000 away allocation, Newcastle supporters travelling to and from the stadium on designated coaches.

"Without doing so, the public transport system would not be able to accommodate such a large number of supporters safely.”

There will be a large police presence at the ground as well as in both city centres and Mr Hutchison said any disorder “will be clamped down upon”.

“Ultimately, we want to ensure all supporters can have a safe and enjoyable time – and everyone can play their part in achieving that result,” he said.

You can see live updates from the Metro here.

How to watch Sunderland vs Newcastle FA Cup match on TV

Sunderland vs Newcastle third-round FA Cup match will kick off at 12.45pm and will be shown on ITV1 and ITVX from 12pm.

If you watch to catch up on the latest highlights, you can do this by viewing the Sunderland and Newcastle official YouTube channels.