Wearmouth and Queen Alexandra Bridge closures

Wearmouth Bridge will be closed southbound on Sundays 16 and 23 May for Principal Inspections, which are normally carried out every 6-10 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 Marys Boulevard

Following this inspection, the Queen Alexandra Bridge will be closed Southbound for 11 weeks from Monday 7 June 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.

During this time drivers travelling south will be diverted over Wearmouth Bridge or Northern Spire.

Executive Director of City Development at Sunderland City Council, Peter McIntyre said: "Like any structure, bridges such as Wearmouth Bridge and the Queen Alexandra Bridge must be properly maintained, and the upcoming inspections and 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 inspection. While the council apologises in advance for any inconvenience, we are very much committed to improving our city's highways network."

These works form part the council's multi million pound investment into its roads, footways and bridges.