Road closed after water pipe burst on Queen Alexandra Bridge

A pipe leaked on a busy bridge, causing water to gush into the river below.

The main pipe on the Queen Alexandra bridge in Sunderland has burst, prompting Northumbrian Water to close the footpath on one side of the bridge until repairs can be made.

Michael Heskett, from Sunderland, saw the pipe burst as he passed by.

“I was out for a run and everything exploded,” he said.

Northumbrian Water said work to isolate the leak “will be completed shortly”.

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

“As we were heading north, we had to close the pedestrian path over the bridge on the left.

“This temporary closure will remain in place until full repairs are made.”

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