Government pays £98m for fourth Wear bridge

Aug 1 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

TRANSPORT Minister Rosie Winterton opened the way for a fourth bridge over the River Wear as she announced £98m in Government funding.

The cash will go towards a four-lane bridge between Claxheugh and Castletown. The bridge has been at the centre of a design row after council leaders in Sunderland refused calls to release designs for the potentially iconic structure.

Opposition councillors and the architect who drew up the plans for the bridge have called on the council to be bold, provided they get the extra money needed to fund anything more than the basic design paid for by the Government.

Some extra cash could come from development agency One NorthEast, but millions of pounds more would have to come from the council, prompting fears the money might be diverting cash from other resources.

Yesterday, this was more of a long-term consideration as council leader Paul Watson and Transport Minister Rosie Winterton gathered to celebrate the funding announcement.

Ms Winterton agreed it was essential that money for the “crucial” crossing was made available. She said: “This will create a much-needed new gateway into the city centre, alleviate the congestion currently experienced at crossing points and make a major contribution to regeneration along the river corridor.”

Mr Watson said the money for the strategic transport corridor was great news for Sunderland’s economy. He said: “There has been no decision yet on what type of design we will go for on this bridge, obviously it is still in the early stages. All the possibilities are being considered, and we will look at options from the normal structures through to something like the Golden Gate bridge.

“We do not want to be in a position a few years from now where we have a half finished bridge and no money left.”

Last night, Conservative councillor Lee Martin said: “I’m delighted the Government has announced they are willing to foot the bill for the bog-standard part of the new Wear bridge and hope the city council will now commit the funds necessary to build Stephen Spence’s competition-winning iconic bridge.