It runs between South Shields, at the mouth of the River Tyne, and the A19 near Seaham, County Durham.

This long straight section passes through the Boldons, Fulwell and Monkwearmouth towards the River Wear.

The road runs along Roker Avenue and then Church Street North.

At this point, the A1018 merges with the A183 road and become Dame Dorothy Street which crosses the Wearmouth Bridge into the Sunderland city centre.

It bypasses Ryhope to meet Stockton Road at the Wellfield Roundabout.