Barrett Byrd Associates

In depth studies and plans for the New Mersey Crossing are now being worked up after the scheme gained approval in principle from the Government late last year. ‘Super Work in Progress’ status was granted by the Department for Transport following an appraisal submission by project promoter Halton Borough Council, on behalf of the Mersey Crossing Group, and its lead consultant Gifford.

The proposed link will span the Mersey Estuary between Runcorn and Widnes and relieve the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, built in 1961, of 80% of the 90,000 vehicles it currently carries each day. “The Jubilee Bridge is at capacity and is not only a bottle neck to traffic but is also restricting economic development in the region,” said Halton Borough Council operational director Alan West.

Gifford director Ian Hunt said: “Over the next twelve months we will be undertaking more detailed analysis and studies of the environmental, social and economic impacts of the scheme. We will also be looking at the various funding options for the £300M bridge, including potential for a Public Private Partnership and tolls.”

Lead consultant Gifford will head up a team of over 20 specialist companies to produce the necessary traffic and funding reports for submission to the DfT by summer 2004. “We hope to submit an application under the Transport & Works Act early next year with a view to carrying out a public inquiry in autumn 2005,” said Hunt. “Construction of the bridge will take three years to complete, so if everything goes according to plan, the bridge opening will coincide with Liverpool’s year as European City of Culture in 2008.”

The proposed bridge will be formed by three 360m cable stayed spans supported by three 110m tall towers and a consistent deck construction throughout to suit either launch or cantilever construction. Structural strength of the bridge will come from the extra deep deck design with pierced webs to give the bridge a ‘lighter’ appearance.

The 7m deep deck will carry a two lane dual carriageway with hard shoulders that will give scope for widening the crossing to a three lane dual carriageway in the future. The design also allows for a dual deck to be incorporated which could give dedicated space for pedestrians and cyclists and adds the potential for the bridge to carry a light rail link in the future.

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