Work continues on New Wear Crossing

Work on the New Wear Crossing has moved a step closer to completion after the project’s latest milestone was reached.Structural engineering company VSL International has stressed to capacity the 28 cable stays that connect the 105m-high pylon to the bridge deck, meaning the bridge is now fully self-supporting.In the coming weeks, the team building the New Wear Crossing will begin the process of removing and dismantling the blue steel temporary supports that were built in the river to support the deck. Scaffolding on the pylon is also being gradually removed.During recent weeks, the final 40m of bridge deck has been in construction. However, work still remains. Work began on the New Wear Crossing in May 2015. It is the second phase of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor, which is designed to improve links between the A19 and Sunderland City Centre and the Port of Sunderland.