New Northern Spire bridge in Sunderland now open to traffic

Cones at either side of the £117million structure were removed just after 11am today to allow cars and other vehicles to use the bridge, which links Pallion on the south of the River Wear with Castletown on the north side.

City leaders have said that the creation of the bridge will help to create up to 6,000 jobs and significantly boost Sunderland's economy.

A ribbon cutting ceremony took place following speeches from Sunderland City Council leader Councillor Graeme Miller and project director Stephen McCaffrey, with city mayor Lynda Scanlan doing the honours.

It is expected that about 27,000 cars will use Northern Spire each day.

The crossing was expected to open earlier this year, but delays were caused due to bad weather during the later part of the winter.

Civic chiefs argue the new link, which has a speed limit of 40mph, will form a "key part" of a wider transport plan to improve links between the Port of Sunderland and the city centre with the busy A19 road.

Coun Miller said: "It's a big step forward which shows Sunderland is a 21st Century city and a destination to come to.

"This shows that we want the city to be successful and the bridge is part of that economic story.

"We will be able to move people west to east and north to south easier and hopefully about 6,000 jobs will be created on the south bank of the Wear because of the bridge and the road system that comes with it.

"The bridge is the tallest structure in the North East and I'm delighted that it's here."

Thousands of people took the opportunity to have a walk on the bridge yesterday when it was open to pedestrians before the official unveiling.

Stephen McCaffrey, project director from construction firm Farrans Victor Buyck Joint Venture, said: "It's an amazing structure and we drove past here last night to see it lit up which was brilliant.

"Of all of the challenges that we have faced, of all of the obstacles we've overcome to now see it open to traffic and for the people of the city makes us feel just tremendously proud.

“As Project Director I would also like to pay tribute to everyone who has worked on this project.

"We have had an amazing team of people, both from the local area and wider North East, as well as from overseas, and it is their talent, skill and experience that has brought this bridge to life. Everyone should feel proud of their efforts.

“Northern Spire is a beautiful structure.

"I hope the people of Sunderland take it to their hearts as much as the team on site has.”

Among the first to drive a car on the bridge was Nissan admin office worker Ian Heron, 35, of Ryhope.

"It's a very proud moment for me and to drive over the bridge and represent the company in this way," said Ian, who has been with the company for 13 years.

During the opening ceremony, Coun Miller paid tribute to the Late City Council Leader Councillor Paul Watson, who led the campaign to build the new bridge in Sunderland.

Coun Watson was a frequent visitor on site, watching the construction process keenly, but he sadly died in November last year before seeing the bridge complete.

Coun Watson’s wife Susan, also a councillor, and two sons attended the opening ceremony on the bridge this morning.

Coun Miller said: “I really wish to pay tribute to Coun Watson, my predecessor as Leader, who was central to the campaign to bring the Northern Spire, as we now know it, to Sunderland and its people.

"I’m sure Paul will be looking down on us today as passionate as ever, feeling extremely proud of how it has turned out.”