New footbridge to open for rugby fans

A new city footbridge will temporarily open for a major sports event.

Sunderland’s Keel Crossing will be accessible on August 22 for the Women’s Rugby World Cup opening match between England and the USA. 

The bridge will connect the city centre to the Stadium of Light, helping more than 40,000 fans easily reach the game and enjoy the day’s events, which also include a performance from pop star Anne-Marie.

Spanning 250 metres across the River Wear and ten metres wide, at a height of 30 metres above the river, the footbridge is part of the Riverside Sunderland regeneration project. 

It will close after the event to complete final painting and lighting before its official full opening. 

Once finished, it will improve links between northern communities and the city centre, opening access to new homes, jobs, and leisure spaces.

Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “We’re working closely with VolkerStevin to facilitate the use of Keel Crossing for the opening ceremony of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

“While the bridge isn’t officially open yet, we’re excited to offer this unique opportunity for those attending the game to cross the bridge for the first time.

“It will be incredible seeing a sea of England and USA shirts and scarves walking across the bridge and give us a glimpse of what to expect in the future, now that Sunderland AFC is back in the Premier League.

“I think this crossing has come to represent the sense of renewed positivity and optimism that is growing in Sunderland right now.”

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