Second Mersey Crossing and Associated Schemes

**Kev** · 12-05-2005

THE £170m pulled from Liverpool's derailed tram scheme should be put towards plans for a £300m new Mersey bridge crossing, the project's leader urged last night. more

**Max** · 12-05-2005

Why do they need one between Widnes and Runcorn? Thats Cheshire not Merseyside.

**Howie** · 12-05-2005

Max, I'm old enough to remember when we were Lancashire!

**Kev** · 01-06-2006

THE future of the second Mersey crossing is expected to be secured today when a crucial £64m government grant is given the green light. more

**Kev** · 01-10-2006

A MULTI-MILLION pound second crossing of the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes has become one of the North West's key transport projects, it was announced last night. more

**Kev** · 03-29-2006

THE Government last night gave the go-ahead for the second Mersey River crossing and pledged £209m of funding for the scheme.

The historic announcement came after Runcorn bridge bore the brunt of a day of transport chaos, as strike action by public service workers closed both Mersey tunnels and the ferry service.

Thousands of extra motorists travelled via Runcorn, causing long delays as commuters struggled to find alternative ways across the Mersey.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling's decision means work can now begin on designing the new second bridge and securing contractors. Building is now expected to begin in 2011 and should be completed by 2014.

Mr Darling said: "The proposed new bridge would bring significant benefits to the local communities of Runcorn and Widnes, improve access to key developments such as Liverpool John Lennon Airport and help to support the continuing economic growth on Merseyside."

Halton council chief executive David Par said: "This is the biggest decision for Merseyside since Capital of Culture. It is a momentous day and the culmination of 15 years of work."

**Kev** · 03-29-2006

BUSINESS leaders and politicians last night welcomed government backing for the Mersey Gateway as one of the most important announcements for the region in the last decade. more

**Kev** · 03-29-2006

Charges will be introduced on both the new and current bridges. Have your say.

**Jock** · 03-29-2006

I tend to use the bridge at least 2/3 times a week, depending on which way I travel to work. Have to say I don't find the congestion too bad - guess I tend to travel at the right times. Is a second bridge really required?

I'm not happy with them introducing charging though...

**Kev** · 04-13-2007

TEST drilling has started for the new Mersey crossing.

Work is being carried out at 123 different sites to check the ground on which the £390m Gateway link between Runcorn and Widnes will be built.

Rigs will be seen around the area for the next two months and drilling may lead to some disruption for motorists. continues....

**Paul D** · 04-13-2007

I didn't realise it had already been approved,that's great.

**phredd** · 04-13-2007

Liverpool Echo is a bit late. Have a look here >>>>>>

and here >>>

Both pics taken in Oct last year from Wigg Island Runcorn.

Camera used is Fuji FinePix S602Z (not the best in the world)

Phredd

**Famous Scouser** · 05-18-2009

Well the public enquiry about this bridge takes place from tomorrow and lasts for 40 days. It will hear pro and opposition views but if the project goes ahead, then BOTH bridges will be tolled. This will be the first time ever in the UK that a toll is to be set up on an old bridge that is already bought and paid for. The councillors at Halton Borough Council insist that it is the Government who insist on tolling the new bridge, but they havent apparently insisted that both bridges must be tolled.

Oh, and the legislation has already been activated for the coucil to put tolls into place. So despite a public enquiry, it apears to be a done deal already.
Happy tolling!