The Institution of Civil Engineers North West says the planned Mersey Gateway river crossing at Halton is vital to ensure the North West remains economically competitive well into the future.
Institution of Civil Engineers President Peter Hansford is visiting the North West tomorrow (Friday 04 February) and will be given an overview of the project by its Project Director Steve Nicholson.
ICE Regional Director Alan Butler says the case for the second crossing is a compelling one, both as a strategic transport route and an economic catalyst that will deliver long term benefits to our region.
“We believe the local authority has made a convincing financial case for a second crossing between Runcorn and Widnes, while the economic benefits it will bring to the region are both tangible and sustainable,” said Mr Butler.
Halton Borough Council’s submission outlines the extensive benefits of the project, which include:
- 70 per cent of the cost being met by the private sector;
- Benefits which are fourfold greater than the project cost;
- An estimated 4,640 new jobs through direct employment, regeneration activity and inward investment;
- estimated annual £61.9m in Gross Value Added by 2030.
Mersey Gateway Project Director Steve Nicholson said: “We’re delighted to welcome the President of The Institution of Civil Engineers to Halton to visit the Mersey Gateway Project to see this example of modern professional engineering excellence.
“The Institution’s support throughout the development of the project has been a key factor and in us getting to where we are now, on the verge of delivering the project,” he added.
The aim of the Mersey Gateway Project is to build a new 2.4 kilometre six lane toll bridge across the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes. The Silver Jubilee Bridge will also be tolled as part of the project. Tolls will probably be set at £1.40, the same as the Mersey Tunnels.
ICE North West says in addition to speeding up journey times and improving journey reliability in the region it will act as a catalyst for investment and bring a wide range of benefits to the area including:
- local and regional regeneration in Widnes, Runcorn and across the region
- significant journey time savings for thousands of local people, commuters and businesses
- transport accessibility, certainty and reliability
- improved local air quality and an enhanced urban environment
- opportunities for major new sustainable transport links across the borough
- the direct creation of new permanent jobs
- a major strategic new transport route linking the Liverpool city-region and the north west to the rest of the country.