One step closer for Sunderland's new multi-million pound bridge

The 100m centrepiece of Sunderland’s new bridge has been partially raised into position.

The operation to begin lifting the A-frame, which will form the focal point of the New Wear Crossing, began at about 8am.

By 1pm, the pylon had been raised by about 35 degrees and by 4pm it was more than half way through the raising operation.

Specialists working on the new river crossing had spent two years planning the raising, and had spent the last three weeks getting the white structure prepared and connected to the rigging.

A combination of four strand jacks that were anchored 30m into the ground, a crane boom and a series of steel cables were used to slowly inch the pylon up.

The raising process is only being carried out in daylight hours, so the operation will be paused overnight, and is expected to be completed sometime tomorrow.

Stephen McCaffrey, Project Director for Farrans Victor Buyck Joint Venture , which is delivering the project, said the operation was going well.

He said:

Standing at twice the height of Nelson’s Column and bigger than Big Ben’s clock tower, the pylon will be visible from some considerable distance on both sides of the river, as well as from the A19.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, said the raising operation was a sight to behold.

He said:

The new bridge will link Castletown to the north of the River Wear with Pallion to the south, and will have dual two-lane carriageways for vehicles, as well as dedicated cycle and pedestrian routes. It will enhance public transport, as well as significantly improve the important transport links to the city centre and Port of Sunderland from the A19 and A1.

It is hoped it will open in the spring of 2018.