Path shut after water pipe 'goes pop' on bridge

A pipe has sprung a leak on a busy bridge causing water to spray down onto the river below.

The mains pipe burst on the Queen Alexandra bridge in Sunderland and prompted Northumbrian Water to close the footpath on one side of the bridge until repairs could be made.

Michael Heskett, from Sunderland, saw the pipe burst as he was passing.

"I was out jogging and it just went pop," he said.

Northumbrian Water said work to isolate the leak would be "carried out shortly".

"Due to the high-risk position of the problem and the planning required to carry out the work safely, we expect a full repair to be made early next week," the company said.

"We have had to close the footway on the bridge on the left side as you head northbound.

"This temporary closure will remain in place until the full repair is undertaken."

The bridge will remain open to traffic but Northumbrian Water said those travelling on foot may wish to consider alternative routes.

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