Design of 'iconic' bridge on show

The government has said it will fund up to £98m of the costs

Design plans for a new £104m bridge across the River Wear are going before the public in Sunderland.

The structure would link Wessington Way on the north side of the River Wear to Pallion New Road on the south.

The government has said it can fund up to £98m, with a further £6m coming from local sources.

Residents and businesses close to where the cable stay bridge could be built are to be shown the latest designs by local architect Stephen Spence.

A Sunderland Council spokesman said: "These designs and illustrations follow our decision to further develop work on the landmark bridge, designed by internationally renowned and local architect Stephen Spence.

"The public is being invited to comment on the plans and approach roads, which form the first stage of a major new road link from the A19 into central Sunderland, called the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor (SSTC).

"This is an opportunity, especially for those in Sunderland who live near to where the bridge would be built, to comment on these plans."

Council bosses say the new bridge is needed to cope with growing traffic congestion on approach roads into Sunderland city centre.