| Plans for England’s tallest bridge move closer A planning application to build England's tallest bridge in Sunderland could be submitted before the end of the year. WYG Planning & Design, part of the WYG Group, has announced it is putting together a planning application for the Wear Bridge, which reaches 180 metres in height. |
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| It follows a decision by Sunderland City Council's cabinet to move to the next stages of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor project, which includes its centre-piece landmark new Wear Bridge. Crossing the river from Castletown on the north side to Pallion on the south, the cable-stay bridge would have two soaring and curving masts. The Wear bridge will be higher than the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Dartford, the Humber Bridge and both Severn crossing bridges. The height of it will be emphasised by its reflection in the river. Last year, there was a major public consultation exercise across Sunderland that showed people were in favour of having a landmark bridge. Cllr Watson from Sunderland City Council said: "It is a very important decision for everybody in Sunderland and the North East. People told the council they wanted a landmark bridge for the city and we have listened. "This landmark and functional bridge will create a new benchmark in quality and aspiration for Sunderland and the North East.” Subject to further permissions on planning and funding, work could begin in 2012 with completion in 2014. The bridge was designed by Spence Associates and structural engineers Techniker. |
