£200m bridge plan unveiled

£200m bridge plan unveiled

The bridge could open in 2007 if government funding is approved

The site of a new bridge across the River Mersey was due to be unveiled on Tuesday.

Plans for the road bridge - between Runcorn and Widnes - were due to be revealed after a public consultation exercise.

Four sites have been considered for the crossing, which is being built to relieve traffic pressure on the nearby Silver Jubilee bridge.

The project could cost as much as £200m, depending on the site chosen, and it is hoped it might be completed by 2007.

In considering the four sites, engineers have carried out extensive studies of the bed of the Mersey.

Government funding

Their reports were due to be considered by members of Halton Borough Council on Tuesday, as they decide which site to select.

Comments from members of the public were also being considered, after they were gathered at an exhibition of the bridge plans.

Following the decision, an application for government funding will be lodged.

If it is approved, work could start on the bridge in 2005.