Sunderland’s New Footbridge Connects Banks of The Wear to Bring Community into the ‘Light’

Written by on 4th December 2024

Sunderland’s new 250-meter Footbridge is set to open to the public in August 2025. With the total Cost of the bridge being £31 million. The new footbridge connects both sides of the city, from the new City Hall building to the newly built Sheepfolds Stables, and to the Stadium of Light.  

However, a key talking point of the footbridge is the price it cost to build, a hefty £31 million. However, the new bridge promises a fresh connection around the city and will be able to benefit the local businesses around the Monkwearmouth area such as the Sheepfolds. 

Sunderland City Council said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the whole team and a testament to the hard work, coordination and collaboration between our lifting and marine teams to ensure all the lifts could be completed successfully and safely.” 

Cllr Kevin Johnston added: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many developments under construction in the city at any one time. It is one of the most exciting periods in the city’s history and I am incredibly proud to be involved. Long may it continue.”

Sunderland’s new footbridge: photo credit Sunderland City Council

Not only will the footbridge be able to help the community get across the river even easier than before but, will lower the congestion on a match day in Sunderland’s city center, this will be shown with the local fans not having to squeeze onto the Wearmouth Bridge, which leads to one of the lanes being closed on the bridge to allow for the post-match congestion. The addition of the footbridge could mean that all lanes on the Wearmouth can stay open as fans will be able to access both bridges, meaning traffic should not be impacted as much on a match day. 

The Wearmouth Bridge had been a staple of the River Wear since its opening in 1792, and is also symbol of Sunderland. With being held in the hearts of the fans of  local football club, Sunderland AFC, the Wearmouth Bridge is a ritual for most before they get to the match. 

With the new bridge in place for August 2025, fans can now walk across the new footbridge on a match day instead of using the Wearmouth Bridge, however how do the Sunderland fans feel about this? 

Jamie Stuart,22, who has been a season ticket holder for eight years, said: “The new footbridge promises a fresh connection to the heart of the city’s pride and passion(Sunderland AFC).On the other hand, many fans see crossing the Wearmouth Bridge as a ritual of sorts and has been the case for generations of fans.”

he then added: “For many people crossing the Wearmouth Bridge is what stirs their excitement heading into kickoff.”

Overall Sunderland’s £31 million footbridge is set to enhance city connectivity while fixing congestion issues in the city centre, especially on match days. It will link key areas like the City Hall and Stadium of Light, benefiting local businesses and improving traffic flow. However, for many Sunderland AFC fans, crossing the iconic Wearmouth Bridge remains a cherished tradition.

 


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