Sunderland Council announces new Wear crossing

Construction of a new steel composite road bridge over the River Wear in Sunderland is now underway.

Sunderland City Council has signed a contract for the bridge and approach roads with Farrans Construction and it has now begun preliminary works.

The new bridge will be a three span cable-stayed bridge with supporting A-frame pylon rising to a height of 105m as it crosses the River Wear between Castletown on the north to Pallion on the south bank.

It will have two lanes for traffic in both directions plus dedicated cycleways and footpaths along its full length.

Leader of Sunderland City Council Paul Watson said: “We have now secured a development that is going to further the regeneration of our city.

“The bridge and its approach roads are about bringing significant economic, regeneration and transport benefits to our city and the wider North East region.
We cannot overstate the massive economic, social and community impact this project is bringing. It’s going to profit homes, businesses, the Port of Sunderland and help with links to the A19.”

Farrans Construction Managing Director John Wilson , said: “We look forward to building on our strong relationship and proactive approach to deliver this landmark structure together in partnership with Sunderland City Council.”

The completion for all the works is programmed for spring 2018. The overall approved budget for the project is £117.6m, which includes all design, construction, management and land assembly costs.