Drivers warned of bridge closure diversions

MOTORISTS are being warned that two Wear bridges will close in the coming weeks.

Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland will be closed southbound today and next Sunday for principal inspections, which are normally carried out every six to 10 years.

Engineering firm WSP will conduct a close inspection of all sections of the bridge involving rope access work. It will record the current condition of the bridge and recommend appropriate maintenance. 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 Mary’s Boulevard.

Following this inspection, the Queen Alexandra Bridge over the Wear in Sunderland 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 Balfour Beatty 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. Drivers travelling south will be diverted over Wearmouth Bridge or Northern Spire.

Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, Peter Mcintyre said: “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.”