I know, the traffic would be horrendous during those works.

Fawcett Street was the route of the old A19 so had two-way traffic and opened directly onto the bridge. A few photos here all by Malcolm Fraser:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26081643@N05/6092667629/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26081643@N05/5855631225/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/26081643@N05/5645847036/

And a photo by cbma06 - [attachment=1508]

A lot different now! It would be such an improvement to have buses operating directly on to the bridge again from Fawcett Street.

About the new bridge and SSTC - I particularly like this bit:

"Public transport priority measures are proposed, including upgrading the existing ‘at-grade four arm roundabout’ on the A1231 Wessington Way, to a four-way signalised junction with bus priority measures to improve journey times.

The new crossing would also provide the facility for a new rapid centre to centre bus service between Washington and Sunderland; and should street running trams be part of future transport provision, the bridge deck has been designed to accommodate such loadings.

The Project also includes proposals to upgrade the existing signalised roundabout to the south of the Wearmouth Bridge (St Mary’s Way/ Wear St/ Bridge St junction) to enable two-way bus movements along Bridge Street. This is currently a key route for buses and is restricted to southbound only. Northbound buses currently have to take a circuitous route to the Wearmouth Bridge via Bedford Street and Wear Street.

The redistribution of traffic from the existing crossings to the New Wear Crossing and the surrounding network could facilitate the future introduction of bus lanes on the Wearmouth Bridge."