There’s an opportunity to make an early crossing of a new 30m high footbridge in Sunderland, north east England this week.

The Keel Crossing will be open temporarily during a major sporting event on Friday 22 August. Contractor VolkerStevin will step aside to allow Rugby World Cup fans to use the bridge over the river Wear between the city centre and the Stadium of Light. It is expected that the game will attract a crowd of 40,000.

After the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup tournament, the 250m long bridge will close again for final cosmetic work before it is ready for public use.

The US$42 million Keel Crossing was designed by Knight Architects, Arup and Colour and commissioned by Sunderland City Council (link opens in new tab). The Stadium of Light is home to Sunderland AFC, whose 2025 home shirt features a silhouette of the steel bridge.