The new Mersey Gateway Bridge will:
- cross the river around 1,500 metres to the east of the Silver Jubilee Bridge
- be a tolled crossing
- have three lanes across the Mersey in each direction
- link the Central Expressway in Runcorn with the main routes to the M62 (Widnes Eastern Bypass) and towards Liverpool (Speke Road) in Widnes.
A landmark design
The Mersey Gateway Bridge will be a landmark structure that will be recognisable throughout the north west and beyond.
The unique design is based on a cable-stayed structure similar to the second Severn Crossing but with three towers. The 80m high central tower will be shorter than the two outer towers, which will be 110m high (north tower) and 125m high (south tower).
Including the approach viaducts on each side, it will be 2,130 metres long with a river span of 1,000 metres.
The main bridge deck will be made from reinforced concrete and the spans will be supported by steel cable stays attached to the three towers.
This design for the bridge has been selected from a wide range of options. It was chosen because it will bring the maximum benefits for users and local people and has a minimal impact on the estuary and its surrounding environment.
There where a number of stages before the Mersey Gateway Project can open to the public there are a number of stages that it needs to through. These are set out in the table below:
Announcement from Government to confirm the final funding package for the project.
Procurement for main contractor to design, build, finance and operate the Mersey Gateway.
Contract for concessionaire to design, build, finance and operate the Mersey Gateway awarded
Main construction of the Mersey Gateway commences.
Mersey Gateway opens to the public