£470m for new Mersey Gateway Bridge

Bridge will improve links between the Liverpool City Region, north Cheshire and the wider North West and the rest of the country

£470m funding for a new bridge across the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes has been given the green light.

The new dual three-lane bridge will be known as the Mersey Gateway Bridge, and associated link roads will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country.

The construction cost including land is around £600m which the Department for Transport will support with a mixture of capital grant and revenue funding for the bridge’s continued operation.

The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will be converted into a local traffic bridge with priority for buses and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

The benefits of the new bridge include relieving congestion on the Silver Jubilee Bridge, reducing journey times by up to ten minutes at peak times, and improving public transport links across the River Mersey between the two parts of Halton, and improving accessibility in the region.

Also, improving local air quality and enhancing the urban environment and encouraging increased use of cycling and walking.

Construction of the new bridge is expected to begin in 2013 and is due to be open for traffic in 2016.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: “The Mersey Gateway Bridge is an important transport project which will improve journeys and boost economic growth."

"It will not only provide much needed traffic relief for the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, but also help to regenerate the Borough of Halton, the Liverpool city region and the wider north west by improving transport links, maximising local development and regional economic growth opportunities."

Further information:
Department for Transport