Member Article

New Wear Crossing centrepiece to arrive in Sunderland this weekend

The A-frame pylon which will act as the centrepiece to Sunderland’s new bridge is on route to the city, after leaving Belgium by sea earlier today (Thursday January 5).

Expected to arrive in two days’ time, the pylon will stand 105m above the River Wear and will make up an integral part of the New Wear Crossing, which is on track to open in the spring of 2018.

The Crossing will help attract investment into Sunderland, create new jobs and regenerate land along the River Wear.

As the pylon approaches Wearside, it will be met by harbour tug boats from the North East about a mile off the port entrance and will then be brought in through the curved arms of the Roker and New South piers, before berthing at Greenwells Quay.

Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson, said: “The pylon is an impressive structure and is really the focal point of Sunderland’s New Wear Crossing project, so it’s exciting to know that it’s arriving in just a couple of days. I can’t wait to see it come through the piers into port.

“I think people will be surprised at how striking the pylon is. People might like to take the opportunity to come out and watch as it arrives, or to have a look while it’s in port. You won’t be disappointed.”

Matthew Hunt, Port Director at the Port of Sunderland, added: “[The pylon] is an impressive structure, and is quite a size, so I think we are all quite excited to actually see it come into port.

“The pylon will be berthed here for a few weeks, where it will be prepared for its journey up the River Wear to site in a few weeks’ time.

“If people want to see it, I would advise that they go to the roof of the National Glass Centre as you get a great view of the port from there. I think it will be a sight to behold.”

People can follow the pylon’s progress by going to www.marinetraffic.com and searching for the progress of tug boat En Avant 10, which is towing the barge across the North Sea.

Alternatively, those interested can follow Sunderland City Council on Facebook or Twitter @SunderlandUK, which will be updated regularly with the pylon’s progress.