A CLEAR vision of the future of Stockton is unveiled today as the spectacular silhouette of the North Shore footbridge takes shape across the September sky.

The large arch was lifted into place today, courtesy of the UK’s largest mobile crane. The delicate operation requires 450 tonnes of superlift - or counterweight - to lift the structure and place it into a joining section - with a gap of just 4mm.

Sitting alongside its smaller sister arch, which was lifted earlier this summer, the footbridge begins to carve out its role as the key pedestrian and cycle link between Tees Valley Regeneration’s North Shore development and both Teesdale Business Park and Durham University’s Queen’s Campus.

The stunning £15 million footbridge is now clearly visible from the Tees Flyover making a dramatic addition to the skyline of the Tees Valley. It spans 180 metres and, at its highest point, is 40 metres above the River Tees.

The permanent steelworks weigh more than 450 tonnes and through contractors Balfour Beatty and sub-contractors Cleveland Bridge and Dorman Long, almost all of the site team involved in the construction of the footbridge live within a 15 mile radius of the new landmark. The build is project managed by Stockton Borough Council.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration said: “Watching the arch being lifted into place was quite awe inspiring.

“Stockton and the wider Tees Valley is experiencing a new burst of energy, and today is a clear illustration of our ambition.

“I’m sure the bridge will become the new postcard of Stockton and take it’s place alongside it’s cousin the Transporter Bridge as an uplifting image of the Tees Valley.

“The new footbridge is essential for the expansion of the University of Durham’s Queens Campus, which is itself another milestone in the growth of the Tees Valley.”

The bridge is being built in partnership with Stockton Council and its leader Councillor Ken Lupton said: “This structure is unique in its design and appearance and continues the long tradition of innovative structures spanning the River Tees.

“It has the capacity to promote the Tees Valley and will be another landmark placing Stockton in a strong position to capitalise on the opportunities offered by the University and the North Shore Development."

Chris Munro, senior regeneration manager, from English Partnerships, said: “It is fascinating to watch projects like the North Shore bridge grow from nothing to the spectacular almost-finished item we see today.

“In years to come when hundreds of thousands of feet have trudged over the bridge I think we will still be able to look at it and still think it is breath-taking.”

Neil Barnes, regional managing director of Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, the contractors building the bridge, said: "This is a major milestone in the construction of this exciting bridge.

“The placing of the second arch represents a superb engineering achievement and is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the site team.

“Tees Valley will have a new landmark and our challenge now is to complete the suspended decking so that everyone can benefit from this new link.

Professor Ray Hudson, pro-vice-chancellor (regional strategy and Queen’s Campus), Durham University, said: “The bridge marks another major step forward in Durham University’s plans for the expansion of Queen’s Campus, creating the potential for an exciting new phase of development.

“Our plans will ensure that even more people – from the region, UK and around the world - will have access to Durham University’s first-class education and facilities in the Tees Valley.”

The footbridge is funded by Stockton Borough Council, One NorthEast, English Partnerships and money attracted to the area from the European Regional Development Fund.

Alastair Haworth, One NorthEast's property senior specialist, said: "This is a further significant step in the construction of the North Shore Bridge, which will become a recognisable focal point across the River Tees and a landmark of the multi-million pound North Shore development.”

*The name of the footbridge name will be released later this month.

Email: karen.parker@coolbluebrand.com