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05/10/2011
Mersey Gateway Bridge Gets Green Light
£470 million of funding for a new bridge across the River Mersey has been approved by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.
The new dual three-lane bridge, between Runcorn and Widnes, will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country. It will also ease the significant congestion currently experienced by users of the Silver Jubilee Bridge, reducing journey times by up to 10 minutes at peak times.
Construction of the new bridge – known as the Mersey Gateway Bridge – is expected to begin in 2013 and is due to be open for traffic in 2016. The construction cost (including land) is around £600m which the Department for Transport will support with a mixture of capital grant and revenue funding for the bridge’s continued operation.
The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, located 1.5 miles to the west of the planned bridge, will be converted into a local traffic bridge with priority for buses and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. There will be toll charges for those using both crossings to help fund a significant proportion of the scheme. The funding provides for discount schemes, which would be prioritised for local and regular users.
Mr Hammond said: "The Mersey Gateway Bridge is an important transport project which will improve journeys and boost economic growth. It will not only provide much needed traffic relief for the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, but also help to regenerate the Borough of Halton, the Liverpool city region and the wider north west by improving transport links, maximising local development and regional economic growth opportunities.
"In response to the Government’s request to reduce costs, Halton Borough Council have achieved savings of around £30m on the original proposed cost - meaning the scheme will offer better value to the taxpayer, whilst bringing vital improvements to the region. Further cost savings are expected through a competitive procurement process.
"I was determined to ensure that the agreed funding package represented a robust and sustainable funding model for the bridge that protected both the taxpayers and the residents of Halton. This is a good result."
The benefits of the new bridge include:
The new dual three-lane bridge, between Runcorn and Widnes, will form a major new transport route improving links between the Liverpool City region, north Cheshire and the wider North West to the rest of the country. It will also ease the significant congestion currently experienced by users of the Silver Jubilee Bridge, reducing journey times by up to 10 minutes at peak times.
Construction of the new bridge – known as the Mersey Gateway Bridge – is expected to begin in 2013 and is due to be open for traffic in 2016. The construction cost (including land) is around £600m which the Department for Transport will support with a mixture of capital grant and revenue funding for the bridge’s continued operation.
The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, located 1.5 miles to the west of the planned bridge, will be converted into a local traffic bridge with priority for buses and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. There will be toll charges for those using both crossings to help fund a significant proportion of the scheme. The funding provides for discount schemes, which would be prioritised for local and regular users.
Mr Hammond said: "The Mersey Gateway Bridge is an important transport project which will improve journeys and boost economic growth. It will not only provide much needed traffic relief for the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge, but also help to regenerate the Borough of Halton, the Liverpool city region and the wider north west by improving transport links, maximising local development and regional economic growth opportunities.
"In response to the Government’s request to reduce costs, Halton Borough Council have achieved savings of around £30m on the original proposed cost - meaning the scheme will offer better value to the taxpayer, whilst bringing vital improvements to the region. Further cost savings are expected through a competitive procurement process.
"I was determined to ensure that the agreed funding package represented a robust and sustainable funding model for the bridge that protected both the taxpayers and the residents of Halton. This is a good result."
The benefits of the new bridge include:
- Relieving congestion on the Silver Jubilee Bridge and improving public transport links across the River Mersey between the two parts of Halton
- Improving accessibility in the region
- Improving local air quality and enhancing the urban environment
- Encouraging increased use of cycling and walking
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The body of 17-year-old male has been recovered from a canal in Hackney. It is understood that the teenager entered the water near Lea Bridge Road after running away from police on Wednesday afternoon. Police had been searching for the teenager after being called to a report of concern for his welfare.
01 July 2015
Body Recovered From Cumbrian River
A body has been recovered from a river in Cumbria following a search for a man missing in the water. At around 4.15pm on Tuesday, police were called to the River Esk at Longtown Bridge, near Carlisle, after receiving reports of a man in difficulties in the water. It is understood the man, aged 32, had just rescued a young girl from the river.
Body Recovered From Cumbrian River
A body has been recovered from a river in Cumbria following a search for a man missing in the water. At around 4.15pm on Tuesday, police were called to the River Esk at Longtown Bridge, near Carlisle, after receiving reports of a man in difficulties in the water. It is understood the man, aged 32, had just rescued a young girl from the river.
28 May 2015
Memorial Service Held For Dibbles Bridge Disaster
A memorial service has been held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Dibbles Bridge Disaster. 33 people died after a coach plunged 16ft off the bridge in North Yorkshire and landed in a garden on 27 May 1975. Only 13 people survived the crash after the brakes on the coach failed. The service was held at 6.
Memorial Service Held For Dibbles Bridge Disaster
A memorial service has been held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Dibbles Bridge Disaster. 33 people died after a coach plunged 16ft off the bridge in North Yorkshire and landed in a garden on 27 May 1975. Only 13 people survived the crash after the brakes on the coach failed. The service was held at 6.
05 June 2014
Second Racer Killed In Isle Of Man TT
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Second Racer Killed In Isle Of Man TT
The professional bike racer Karl Harris has became the second motorcyclist to die after a crash during the 2014 Isle of Man TT race.
04 June 2014
Man Dies After London Bus Collide
A man has died and another 13 victims have been injured in a crash involving a car and a double-decker bus in Clapton, east London at about 02:20 this morning. The man, who was travelling in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene while another three men who were in the vehicle have been taken to hospital.
Man Dies After London Bus Collide
A man has died and another 13 victims have been injured in a crash involving a car and a double-decker bus in Clapton, east London at about 02:20 this morning. The man, who was travelling in the car, was pronounced dead at the scene while another three men who were in the vehicle have been taken to hospital.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
