Mersey Gateway

The Mersey Gateway DBFO project comprises the construction of a new six-lane fixed-link tolled crossing over the River Mersey in Halton, North West England. It also includes connections into, and modifications to, the existing highway network in Widnes and Runcorn on either side of the river – a total length of 8km – and modifications to the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge to return this to local use and encourage sustainable transport modes. Both the new bridge and the existing crossing will be tolled, and the main contract will include tolling operations and maintenance (excluding the maintenance of the existing crossing).

• Iconic three tower cable-stayed bridge over the Mersey Estuary
• Catalyst for regenerating areas of Widnes and Runcorn as part of the wider Regeneration Strategy
• Catalyst for significant improvements to Halton’s transport network as part of the Sustainable Transport Strategy

Gifford has provided the lead technical input (including engineering design, construction methods, environmental and transportation assessments and provision of expert witnesses) to the following stages to date:

• Desk studies
• Feasibility studies into alternative options and Preferred Option Selection
• Major Scheme Business Case Submission
• Preparation of Orders and Applications (including the Environmental Statement)
• Public Inquiry (including Expert Evidence)
• Outline Business Case

The commission extends to financial close and Gifford is currently working as Technical Advisor to support Halton’s integrated procurement team through the competitive dialogue process, to support Halton’s land acquisition team and to manage the advance works programme. In October 2011 the scheme was granted funding of up to £470m over its lifetime by the Department for Transport.