It runs northeast from its start at junction 65 of the A1(M) near Washington, and the first 3 miles (4.8 km) are motorway standard, designated the A194(M).

The junctions were unnumbered until 2013 when they were designated J1 to J3.

The A194 continues as a trunk road to its next major junction, the A19 which provides access to the Tyne Tunnel, Sunderland and Teesside.

At this point, A194 ceases to be a trunk road and continues to its terminus in South Shields town centre.

[1][2] Download coordinates as: 54°57′15″N 1°30′06″W / 54.9542°N 1.5017°W / 54.9542; -1.5017 (A194 road)