Everything you need to know about the opening of Sunderland's new Northern Spire bridge

Pedestrians will be able to visit Northern Spire today.

Construction on the bridge, the newest feature on Sunderland's skyline, first started in 2015.

It was due to open in the spring, but the opening was delayed due to the bad weather in the early part of the year.

Today is the day!

If you want to visit the bridge on its first day, you will have to go on foot. Pedestrians are welcome from 12pm until 8pm today to walk across the structure for the first time.

An official opening will take place tomorrow (Wednesday, August 29) after which traffic will be able to use the bridge and associated link roads.

Three Sunderland-built Nissan vehicles will be the first to travel across the bridge on Wednesday afternoon, following the unveiling.

Speaking last week as the opening was announced, council leader Graeme Miller said "it's a proud moment for Sunderland".

Northern Spire will become the region's highest structure, standing taller than Nelson's Column and Big Ben's clock tower.

Sunderland Council leader Graeme Miller at the bridge ahead of the opening.

Picture special: Your view of Sunderland's Northern Spire bridge

It is part of Sunderland Council's wider plans to improve the road network between the A19 and Sunderland city centre, and the Port of Sunderland.

The next phase of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor is a dual carriageway, expected for completion in 2021.

It will pick up at the end of Northern Spire on the south side, linking the new bridge to St Mary's Boulevard, going under the Queen Alexandra Bridge.