The green light follows the decision from Halton Borough Council’s planning committee to approve Merseylink’s planning application covering improvements to the Bridgewater Junction in Runcorn.

Between now and Christmas the Merseylink consortium will be carrying out tee clearing and survey work in both Runcorn and Widnes.

Once contracts have been formally signed with the council, Merseylink will then start work on an access road across the Salt Marsh on the south side of the Mersey.

A temporary jetty will be positioned in the river, allowing construction of coffer dams to take place.

The work on the coffer dams for the first of the pier foundations is scheduled to start early next year, with the entire project to be completed in 2017.

Merseylink Project Director Chris Rhead said: “This work is an exciting indication that this long-awaited project is going to start to become a reality.

“Our planning application regarding changes to the Bridgewater Junction has now been approved by Halton Borough Council. The way is now clear for the programme to be delivered.”

“The consortium is committed to involving the local communities in this project, and Halton people and commuters will be kept fully informed about the construction activities,” Chris Rhead added.

Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader of Halton Borough Council, said: “Once the project reaches financial close when all the contractual formalities are completed, Merseylink will be able to start making real progress on delivering our much needed new bridge.”

He added: “The council has already done a lot of advance works to allow the project to progress, but this will be the first time that the Merseylink consortium will be doing the work, so it marks an important new era for Mersey Gateway.”

– See more at: http://www.merseygateway.co.uk/2013/11/merseylinks-mersey-gateway-preparation-work-gets-under-way-2/#more-1836