Construction of a bridge to improve connectivity of a city is underway.
The first two sections of the multi-million pound New Wear footbridge have been lifted into place and will eventually link Sunderland’s Sheepfolds district with Keel Square in the city centre.
The £31 million development is a central part of the council’s Riverside Sunderland masterplan, which is expected to create workspace for more than 8,000 people and housing for 2,000 residents over the next decade.
The bridge, which will also improve access to the Stadium of Light on match days, is scheduled to open in August 2025, two years later than originally planned.
Sunderland City Councillor Kevin Johnston said the bridge would provide a “significant boost” to businesses relocating to Riverside Sunderland, as well as the newly opened Sheepfolds Stables.
“It really is a central part of our city masterplan, which will invest billions of pounds in the city over the next decade and send a message to the world that Sunderland is a hugely ambitious and visionary city,” said Johnston.
The two 83 m (272 ft) steel sections were connected to the North Pier and North Landing sections of the river. The operation took three days.
Mike Rimmer, senior project manager at main contractor VolkerStevin, said construction work was “challenging” due to the flooding and the “tight geography” of the site.
The barge that delivered the steel profiles is now on its way back to Belgium to pick up the next two parts.
Contractors expect the parts to arrive in Wearside by the end of the month.
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