THE impressive centrepiece to Sunderland’s new bridge has left Belgium and is making its way to the city.

The A-frame pylon, which will stand 105m above the River Wear, left the Port of Ghent just after noon today (Thursday) and is expected to arrive into Sunderland in two days’ time.

If sea conditions remain calm, as at present, Louis, the barge carrying the pylon, is expected to arrive in the North-East late Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning.

As the pylon approaches Wearside, it will be met by harbour tug boats a mile off the port entrance and will then be brought in through the curved arms of the Roker and New South piers, before berthing at Greenwells Quay.

The pylon will form the centrepiece of the New Wear Crossing, which is on track to open in the spring of 2018. It will help attract investment into Sunderland, create new jobs and regenerate land along the River Wear.

Sunderland City Council leader, Cllr Paul Watson, said: “I can’t wait to see it come through the piers into port.

“I think people will be surprised at how striking the pylon is.”

People can follow its progress by going to www.marinetraffic.com and searching for the progress of tug boat En Avant 10, which is towing the barge.

The new bridge will link Castletown to the north of the River Wear with Pallion to the south, and will have dual two-lane carriageways for vehicles, as well as dedicated cycle and pedestrian routes.

It will enhance public transport, as well as significantly improve the important transport links to the city centre and Port of Sunderland from the A19 and A1.

The bridge is being built on behalf of Sunderland City Council by Farrans Construction and Victor Buyck Steel Construction, known as FVB Joint Venture.

The transportation of the pylon is being carried out by Sarens, a world leader in heavy lifting and engineered transport.