Silver Jubilee Bridge in Halton reopens after major refurbishment

The Silver Jubilee Bridge in Halton has reopened today following completion of a major refurbishment programme.

Work began on the bridge – which crosses the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal between Runcorn and Widnes – in 2017 when the Mersey Gateway Bridge opened.

The iconic Silver Jubilee Bridge – a Grade II Listed Structure and the seventh largest steel arch bridge in the world – was closed for a major revamp for the first time in its 60 year history.

The complex programme of work has included:

• Refurbishment of the arch superstructure, including renewal of the protective paint system and steelwork repairs
• Replacement of a hanger cable – the first time this has ever been undertaken. Hanger cables support the bridge deck
• Repairing, re-waterproofing and resurfacing of the bridge deck
• Re-configuration into a single traffic lane in either direction, plus dedicated cycle lane
• Carriageway re-configuration, resurfacing and extensive refurbishment to Runcorn and Widnes Approach Viaducts
• Extensive upgrade and renewal of parapets and safety fencing.

Drivers using the bridge are now required to pay a road charge (toll) to cross but if you are already registered to use the Mersey Gateway Bridge then you do not need to do anything.

Both bridges are using exactly the same charging, discount and registration system – more here.

Cllr Stan Hill, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Transportation, says: “To refurbish and repaint the Silver Jubilee Bridge has been a monumental task for all those involved and I want to thank them for this major achievement.”

“This has never been done before in the bridge’s 60 year history and proved to be a highly complex job. I am delighted that our iconic landmark is now ready for local residents to travel across once again.”

[Photo: Geoff Wynne CC BY-SA 2.0]