THE construction of a new bridge is now at the halfway stage.

Work on the River Wear crossing in Sunderland reached a significant milestone earlier this month, with the first section of the bridge deck launched across the river.

Hydraulic jacks were used to slowly pull the first bridge deck section 120 metres out across the water in an operation that took just seven hours to complete.

The project is due for completion in spring 2018.

Once the 105-metre high A-frame pylon, which is the centrepiece of the bridge, arrives on site early in 2017 and is raised into position, the extended bridge deck will then be pulled into position across the width of the river.

Stephen McCaffrey, project director, said: “We are about half way through and I’m very happy with progress to date.

“During the next few months there are other, exciting key milestones to complete, such as the raising of the pylon in the river and the launching of the whole bridge deck across to the north side, so there is going to be a lot for people to see.”

Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “When this bridge is complete it will be the catalyst for regeneration along the river, will help attract investment into Sunderland and will contribute to the creation of thousands of new jobs.”

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