FOUR short-listed construction companies are to be invited to tender for the contract to build a landmark new river bridge in the North-East.

It follows the Government green light being signalled for the development of the new River Wear crossing in Sunderland.

Recently appointed Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin has ‘signed off’ papers allowing the project to proceed, at an estimated cost of up to £120m.

The tendering process for the lucrative contract could take several months, but it is hoped work will start on the crossing, between Pallion and Castletown, within the next year.

It may then take a further three years to complete construction of North-East architect Stephen Spence’s iconic-designed crossing, which features what would be the tallest towers on any bridge in England and Wales, the highest to stand 187 metres above river level.

Sunderland City Council leader Paul Watson said it will be one of the biggest civil engineering project in the region, sustaining several hundred jobs.

The bridge is expected to improve strategic links between the city centre, the Port of Sunderland, a new Enterprise Zone, and the A19, with a potential to generate an estimated 6,000 jobs on Wearside and the wider region.