Road users reminded that the Queen Alexandra Bridge is set to close for 11 weeks for essential maintenance

The bridge will be closed to road users heading southbound for 11 weeks from Monday, June 7, while £420,000 worth of essential maintenance is carried out as part of the council’s multi-million-pound investment into its roads, footways and bridges.

Infrastructure specialists Balfour Beatty are set to carry out the work, which will see the removal of cables, rail deck and abutments from the bridge that have been in place since 1985.

As part of the improvement work, new rails will be installed and repairs will also be made to existing stonework.

Throughout the period of the work being carried out, drivers heading southbound will be diverted over the Wearmouth Bridge or the Northern Spire.

Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, Peter McIntyre, has apologised for any inconvenience that road users face as the work is carried out but highlighted the need for improvement to the city’s highways.

He said: "Like any structure, bridges such as the Queen Alexandra Bridge must be properly maintained, and the upcoming 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 work. 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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