The government is paying for work on the Wearmouth Bridge

Work on Wearmouth Bridge, which should have been completed by the end of February, is running three months late and over budget.

Because of complications, traffic delays will now stretch on into May.

The �2m contract work is being carried out by Pyeroy, which has also been involved with other landmarks such as the Forth Bridge.

Phil Barrett, council director of development, said: "Unfortunately, work will take about 12 weeks longer than anticipated, which means it will run until the end of May.

"It is about 75 years - or the lifetime of the bridge - since the last extensive works were done."

The bridge has been stripped back to the bare metal and up to six coats of paint have been applied.

Mr Barrett said: "We understand the frustrations of drivers."

He said the final cost for the bridge work would be taken up by the government, and not affect Sunderland council tax payers.