Sunderland-built Nissans will be first vehicles to cross £117million Northern Spire bridge

Nissan cars made in Sunderland will today become be the first vehicles to use a major new bridge over the River Wear.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Aug 2018, 07:30 BST
Updated 29th Aug 2018, 07:36 BST
Northern Spire will officially open to traffic today, more than three years after construction began. Pic: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.Northern Spire will officially open to traffic today, more than three years after construction began. Pic: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.
Northern Spire will officially open to traffic today, more than three years after construction began. Pic: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

The Northern Spire will open to traffic this morning, more than three years since work began on the £117million project in Sunderland.

Pedestrians were allowed to walk across the bridge yesterday, to see up-close its central A-frame pylon and take in the views.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Qashqai and electric Leaf, built at Nissan's plant on the outskirts of the city, will be the first to use the bridge.

Sunderland City Council leader Coun Graeme Miller said: "It looks stunning and is a great addition to the Sunderland skyline."

Poor weather earlier this year delayed its completion, when calm, dry conditions were needed for the painters working on the 105m tall centrepiece - which stands taller than Big Ben's tower.

As well as looking striking, the bridge will speed up traffic around the city, linking Pallion to the south and Castletown to the north of the river.

Related topics:SunderlandGraeme MillerRiver WearSunderland City Council