A new Sunderland landmark heralding a new dawn for the city is revealing itself.
The first two sections of the multi-million-pound New Wear Footbridge have been lifted into place and installed after arriving in the city on Sunday afternoon [4 Aug]. A sea going barge delivered the two steel sections, spanning 83 metres, from Victor Buyck’s fabrication yard in Belgium.
The installation of these sections took place from Tuesday through to Thursday morning [6 - 9 Aug], with the VolkerStevin team working day and night to ensure a seamless installation.
“I’m really proud of what the team has achieved, with challenging high tides and the sites tight geography, successfully lifting these two sections into place has required flawless coordination between our lifting and marine teams to ensure these lifts could be completed within the narrow window of opportunity."
Mike Rimmer Senior project manager at VolkerStevin
The barge is already on its way back to Belgium to collect the next two parts, ready to bring them back to their new home in Sunderland.
Cllr Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “It was a spectacle to behold seeing the first two sections of the new Wear Footbridge arrive at Port of Sunderland."
“The new Wear Footbridge is the linchpin of our overall plan to regenerate this important part of the city so it is fantastic to see yet another piece of the jigsaw fall into place as it begins to rise from the ground and take shape.”
Cllr Kevin Johnston Portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council
The centrepiece of the Riverside Sunderland masterplan, which will see workspace for over 8,000 people and homes for 2,000 residents delivered over the next decade, the bridge is expected to open next August.