Motorists facing diversions as two Sunderland bridges set to close for works

Wearmouth Bridge and Queen Alexandra Bridge will be temporarily closed southbound in May and June while maintenance work is carried out.

Wearmouth Bridge will be closed southbound on Sunday, May 16 and Sunday, May 23 for Principal Inspections, which are normally carried out every 6-10 years.

A close inspection of all sections of the bridge will be conducted, involving rope access work and recording its current condition.

Diversions will be in place via A1018 North Bridge Street, A1290 Kier Hardie Way, Queen Alexandra Bridge, A1231 Pallion New Road, Trimdon Street, A183 St Marys Boulevard.

Following this inspection, the Queen Alexandra Bridge will be closed Southbound for 11 weeks from Monday, June 7, while £420,000 worth of maintenance is carried out.

The works will see infrastructure specialists remove cables from the bridge, rail deck and abutments which have been in place since 1985.

New rails will be installed and repairs will be made to existing stonework.

During this time drivers travelling south will be diverted over Wearmouth Bridge or Northern Spire.

Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, Peter McIntyre said: "Like any structure, bridges such as Wearmouth Bridge and the Queen Alexandra Bridge must be properly maintained, and the upcoming inspections and upgrades allow us to make sure they are in excellent condition.

"To allow the team to complete the work in a safe environment, the bridge must be closed southbound during the inspection. While the council apologises in advance for any inconvenience, we are very much committed to improving our city's highways network."

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