Councillors in Sunderland in northern England have given their approval for construction of a dramatic cable-stayed bridge over the River Wear, almost four years after the concept design was chosen. Work is expected to begin on site in 2012 for completion in 2014

The design by architect Stephen Spence and structural engineer Techniker won a competition in September 2005 but was not unveiled until three years later.

The bridge has will have two asymmetrical, curved 180m-high 'bull horns' as towers supporting the cable-stayed deck. Funding of up to US$217 million is available, including US$37.5 million from Sunderland City Council.