Sunderland's Queen Alexandra Bridge to close to traffic for a week - when will it happen and how will it affect YOUR journey

Sunderland City Council said the Grade II-listed bridge, which is 111 years old in 2020, is set to close on January 27 for a Principal Inspection.

The local authority said: “This is a close inspection of all sections of the bridge, including rope access work and a riverside inspection by divers. It will all record the current condition of the bridge and recommend appropriate maintenance with timescales.

“The closure affects both north and southbound traffic for seven days and begins on Monday, January 27. The bridge will re-open on Monday, February 3. Drivers are advised to use alternate river crossings such as the Northern Spire during the closure.

“Following the road closure, survey work will be completed from the footways. Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross the bridge throughout the inspection.”

Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, Councillor Amy Wilson, said: "Just like house and property maintenance or a car with its MOT, structures such as the Queen Alexandra Bridge have routine inspections which inform maintenance activities.

"To complete the survey in an appropriate timescale and in a safe working environment for the inspection team, there needs to be full access to all of the structure. Therefore it is necessary to have complete closure of the bridge to road traffic."