.jpg)
An inquiry into a plan to build a new toll bridge at Runcorn has conclused its final public session.
Most of the inquiry was held in June when promoters of the Mersey Gateway scheme outlined the scheme.
A new toll bridge would be built while the existing Silver Jubilee Bridge will be "de-linked" from trunk roads, intended for use only by local traffic, pedestrians and cyclists.
This week's 'supplementary session' was to allow the inspector time to consider an objection relating to proposed changes to open space land in Widnes between the Catalyst Trade Park and St Helen’s Canal.
Halton Borough Council wants to acquire existing open space as part of the #431m project which would be built as a Private Finance Initiative.
The council is proposing to replace the lost public space by opening-up a new area of land immediately alongside.
Cllr Tony McDermott, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Gateway Executive Board, said: "We’re not complacent but we do feel that the inquiry went well, and we look forward to reading the inspector’s report in due course.
"This project is vital to the long-term prosperity of Halton and doing nothing is not an option."
The council say the scheme will mean an estimated 4,640 new jobs through direct employment, regeneration activity and inward investment
They also claim it will generate an estimated £61.9 million a year in Gross Value Added from the new jobs by 2030.
But anti-toll campaigners say that charging for the crossing will be a blight the region's economy and cause hardship for individuals.
If the existing Runcorn Bridge is tolled it will be the first time such a move has happened in British history.
Environment campaigners say there is no need for a new road bridge and more investment should go into public transport improvements.
NAAT spokesman John McGoldrick said: "We believe that this scheme will be a social and economic disaster for the whole region.
"If the Government and the local authorities get away with putting a toll on the existing bridge, it is certain that they will try and extend the toll barrier which starts at Liverpool at least as far as the M6."
The project would be joint-funded by central Government and the private sector, through a Private Finance Initiative (PFI), with about 77 per cent coming from private backers.
The new bridge could open as soon as 2014 with the one way tolls for cars costing around £2-50p and HGVs paying as much as £10 each way.
The inspector will make his report to the Secretary of State for Transport who will decide whether the proposal should be approved. The decision is not expected until early next year.
.jpg)
Post a comment