MORE than 60 business people have been given an update on the first bridge to be built in Sunderland for more than 40 years.

Two events were held to allow Sunderland City Council and contractor FVB JV to share information about the project and to explain the works planned for the coming weeks and months.

Guests were then invited to ask questions and give their feedback and comments.

David Abdy, the project director for Sunderland City Council, said:

“These briefings gave us an opportunity to talk to local businesses about our progress and aspects of the work that may affect them, such as road works and lane closures, but crucially, they were an opportunity for us to gain feedback.

“We are keen to engage with the business community, so will be holding similar events in the future. In the meantime, we would encourage anyone interested in the project to email us their contact details and we will send them regular updates.”

Josephine Mather, from food takeaway Truly Scrumptious in Pallion, Sunderland, said: “I think the new bridge and road improvements will give a massive boost to the people of Sunderland. I have been travelling this route for 11 years and the traffic is horrific, but hopefully the bridge will alleviate congestion. I also think it’s going to boost the city’s economy. It’s fabulous all round.”

Work on the New Wear Crossing began in May this year and is on schedule to be finished by spring 2018.

The project, part of a wider strategic transport plan, will improve access from the A19 to the city centre and Port of Sunderland. Further, it will help regenerate the area, relieve congestion and attract new jobs and investment to Sunderland.

The new bridge will cross the River Wear between Wessington Way and European Way.

Stephen McCaffrey, project director for FVB JV, which is a partnership formed by Farrans Construction and Victor Buyck steel construction, to deliver the project, said: “We have made good progress during the first six months and are on

“During the first few months we have carried out a lot of preparatory work on either side of the river, carrying out demolition and clearing work and installing concrete piles, which will be part of the foundations of the road structure.

“In the coming weeks, we will be starting work in the river as we begin the process of creating the support structures for the bridge itself. There will be some disruption throughout the project to the local road network, which we cannot avoid. However, I wish to assure drivers that we will keep disruption to a minimum and will give as much warning as possible. I thank everyone for their continued patience.”