WORK on Sunderland’s new bridge across the River Wear is making good progress with activity on site now at its peak.

The cofferdam in the centre of the river, where the foundations to the bridge’s main A-frame pylon are being built, has been filled with almost 1,500 cubic metres of concrete this week, and the steel frame of the first section of bridge deck is almost complete.

More than 100 people are now working on site, with both regional and international specialists working together to deliver the new bridge on time, by the spring of 2018.

Among the workforce is a team of ten local welders who have been employed by main contractor Victor Buyck Steel Construction with the task of welding the fabricated steel sections of the bridge deck together.

Working from within welding tents fixed to the length of the deck, they will be employed on site until the new year until both phases of bridge deck are built and launched across the river.

Local scaffolders and engineers are also working on the site, along with construction operatives and administration staff, who are based at the main site office in Pallion.

Welder Garry Robson, 40, of Hebburn, said: “It’s a great project to work on. When I tell people where I’m working, they are really interested.

“In years to come, I will be able to say that I helped to build this bridge. It’s going to look impressive when it’s finished.”