River Mersey bridge project receives funding

Date: 4/10/2011

A new bridge crossing the River Mersey and linking Widnes with Runcorn is a step closer to being constructed, with the government this week awarding funding to the project.

The Department for Transport announced yesterday (October 3rd) that it will make up to £470 million available for the scheme, which will see a dual three-lane crossing being built over the north-west waterway.

Together with new link roads, it is hoped that the structure will provide a major new route between Liverpool city centre, north Cheshire and the north-west as a whole.

In addition, journey times could be reduced as the bridge will provide an alternative option to the currently regularly congested Silver Jubilee Bridge.

The total cost of the project is estimated to stand at £600 million including land and it is hoped work will begin in 2013, with the crossing opening to motorists in 2016.

Philip Hammond, the Transport Secretary, said: "We have already committed to support local transport schemes across England to the value of £870 million in the current spending review period, with a further £650 million worth of schemes expected to be funded in December."

In June, the Department announced that it will maintain a reduced interest rate on the debt attached to the Humber Suspension Bridge between Barton-upon-Humber and Hessle in East Yorkshire, as the crossing is regarded as "essential" for the local community.

Posted by Mary Treen