Drone footage as new Sunderland bridge pylon is lifted into place

The latest stage of the project, to raise the 100metre pylon, began at first light yesterday and carried on until dusk last night.

It resumed first thing this morning and by 9am the backmast, which has supported the pylon during the early stages of the lift process, had been disconnected.

The pylon is on course to be in place this afternoon.

Stephen McCaffrey is project director for FVB joint Venture, the company which is building the bridge. The operation to disconnect the backmast had been a complete success, he said.

"That went very smoothly indeed. It was the big challenge for this morning and has been successfully completed.

"It keeps us on schedule. The work is going according to plan," said Stephen.

"Now we just keep pulling the cables, keep the pylon rising vertically.

"Disconnecting the backmast was the first big task to undertake today and we are glad that it has been completed successfully."

Sunderland City Council head of infrastructure and transport Mark Jackson was at the bridge site this morning to see the successful completion of the latest stage of the work.

"We are very happy - everything is going according to plan," he said.

"This is one of a number of big days in the project. Once the pylon is up -, it will be very, very visible and it will be an iconic part of the Sunderland skyline.

"Another milestone will be when the bridge lands on the north side of the river and we connect Pallion to North Hylton for the first time ever, linking the communities and opening up all these development sites that we have on the south bank of the river."

The new bridge will have dual two-lane carriageways for vehicles, as well as dedicated cycle and pedestrian routes and will enhance public transport, as well as significantly improving the important transport links to the city centre and Port of Sunderland from the A19 and A1.

It is on track to open in the spring of 2018.

*Northumbria Police have warned people not to fly drones over the bridge site while the pylon is being raised.

It is against the law to fly drones within 150 metres of people and buildings and over industrial sites, without prior approval first.

Sergeant Mark Boustead, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Department, said: "The public need to know that if we identify them as flying a drone in this area they could be prosecuted.

"Flying these types of aircraft within 150 metres of a congested area is a criminal offence and may contravene air safety legislation. Those found violating that rule could face criminal prosecution.

"Not only could flying drones in the area affect the installation of the centrepiece, but it could put members of the public in the area at risk."

All drone operators must be aware of the rules set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regarding drone flights, and follow the guidelines. For additional information, go to www.dronesafe.uk