Mersey Gateway Bridge, Cable-stayed road bridge in Halton, England
The Mersey Gateway Bridge is a cable-stayed structure linking Runcorn and Widnes in Halton across the River Mersey, spanning roughly 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles). Its roadway deck is 60 meters (197 feet) wide and includes multiple vehicle lanes plus separate sections for pedestrians and cyclists along the outer edges.
Construction began in 2014 as a response to congestion at the older Runcorn-Widnes Bridge, which opened in 1961. The new crossing started carrying traffic in October 2017, relieving pressure on the existing link.
The three concrete pylons each carry bundles of stay cables that stand out against the sky during the day and remain visible at night through LED lighting. On both banks, pedestrian and cycling paths run parallel to the roadway, allowing walkers to see the river and adjacent industrial areas from a different perspective.
Vehicles using this route pay a toll of around £2, which must be settled by midnight the following day via online or phone systems. Registered users receive discounted rates, and repeated crossings can be managed through an account.
A nature reserve covering just under 29 hectares (72 acres) runs along the shoreline areas and is looked after by the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust, which organizes school and community programs. Visitors can explore the grounds through marked trails and observe bird species plus wetland habitats created during construction.
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