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New Wear Crossing reaches key milestone as activity peaks

The New Wear Crossing, the first bridge to be built over the Wear in Sunderland for more than 40 years, has reached peak site activity after the project reached a critical milestone this week.

The cofferdam in the centre of the river, where the foundations to the bridge’s main A-frame pylon are being built, has been filled with almost 1500 cubic metres of concrete this week, and the steel frame of the first section of bridge deck is almost complete.

More than 100 people are now working on site, with both locals and international specialists working together to deliver the new bridge on time, by the spring of 2018.

Leader of Sunderland City Council Cllr Paul Watson explained: The new crossing is going to attract investment into Sunderland, help to regenerate key areas along the river, and inject a great sense of pride into the community.

“The people of Sunderland have waited a long time for this, so it’s wonderful to finally see the bridge unfolding and our ambitions become a reality.

“There are no doubts in my mind that it will have a profound impact on the future of this great city.”

Among the workforce is a team of ten local welders who have been employed by main contractor Victor Buyck Steel Construction with the task of welding the fabricated steel sections of the bridge deck together.

Working from within welding tents fixed to the length of the deck, they will be employed on site until the new year until both phases of bridge deck are built and launched across the river.

Local scaffolders and engineers are also working on the site, along with construction operatives and administration staff, who are based at the main site office in Pallion.

Welder Garry Robson, 40, from Hebburn, said: “It’s a great project to work on. When I tell people where I’m working, they are really interested.

“In years to come, I will be able to say that I helped to build this bridge. It’s going to look impressive when it’s finished.”

And welder Ray Martin, 56, from Jarrow, said: “I had just finished a contract and was looking for another job when I got the call, so it came along at just the right time.

“I have worked on smaller bridges before, but nothing like this. I will definitely be driving over this bridge when it’s finished.”

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