Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC)

Renewal and enhancement of the infrastructure of the City of Sunderland, including a New Wear Crossing, is seen as a key component of Sunderland’s wider renaissance and to the delivery of the Sunderland arc Business Plan as a whole.

In August 2008 the Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed funding of £98m towards the first phase of the scheme - a new road bridge. The whole corridor is to be built over a 15 year period, though private sector partners may provide sections of the corridor in advance of this timetable.

The desire for a landmark bridge was identified as early as 2003 by Sunderland arc in its Investment Strategy as a means of contributing to the regeneration of the area and the development of an enhanced gateway for the city.

The bridge will have a far-reaching impact in terms of providing a significant landmark to draw people into the city. The bridge will be clearly visible from the A19, and will help stimulate regeneration for the adjoining areas of South Hylton, Ford, Pallion and Millfield.

In autumn 2008 Sunderland City Council undertook its largest ever public consultation exercise to gauge public attitude towards the options of a standard road bridge or landmark bridge and how the additional costs should be funded. The consultation attracted overall support in favour of an landmark design but with the opinion that the impact on council tax should be kept to a minimum.

In December 2008 Cabinet approved the development of the landmark design provided sufficient confidence on cost, risk and technical aspects could be gained. A further report is to be provided to Cabinet setting out the estimated total costs and the risks relating to the project in order to inform the decision. In the meantime, the Council is continuing to review the sources of funding for the landmark bridge.

The project remains on programme with the anticipated completion date of spring 2014. It is anticipated that, following development of the design, the works will be tendered in summer 2011.