CONTRACTORS building a £117m bridge are nearing another landmark moment in the project.

Workers are preparing to install cable stays on Sunderland’s New Wear Crossing.

Bosses say the 28 stays will hold the bridge’s 330-metre deck firmly in place.

The crossing is the first to be erected over the Wear in more than 40 years and is due to open next year.

Linking Castletown to the north of the river with Pallion on the south, regeneration bosses say it provides scope for riverbank regeneration, which could see existing companies expand or new firms move to the city.

It is also expected to complement re-development of the former Vaux brewery site into an office and leisure complex.

Referring to the cable work, Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “With every milestone, we get a better understanding of just how impressive this bridge will be.

“I don’t think we can overestimate how important it is going to be.

“It will link the businesses on the A19 manufacturing corridor to the Port of Sunderland, improve journey time around the city, reduce congestion and enable land along the riverbank to be redeveloped.

“That will help to create jobs and open up enormous opportunities.”

Stephen McCaffrey, project director for the FVB joint venture, which is delivering the bridge on behalf of the council, revealed that before the cables can be installed, nearly 700 concrete panels on the bridge’s deck must be joined together.

He also confirmed work to assemble the remaining 40 metres of decking on the north side of the river is due to be finished later this summer.

He added: “We have put a lot of time and effort into planning and don’t envisage any problems ahead.”