The document sets out how the Mersey Gateway will play a pivotal role in delivering a resilient Strategic Road Network and also in managing the effects of major incidents on the region’s major roads.

A number of key points have been agreed as part of the partnership, which include ensuring that the Mersey Gateway is included as part of the strategy for signposting routes to major destinations through the regional road network and is included in real-time traffic information as a potential alternative route, should there be an accident on the network.

Steve Nicholson, Mersey Gateway Project Director, said:

“Halton’s geographic position means that it plays a major role in the regional road network, especially at times when stress is being placed upon other areas of the network through accidents or breakdowns.

“Our approach to the implementation of the Mersey Gateway Project has always been that the problems it solves will benefit the whole of the north west.

“This agreement highlights the importance of partnership-working between the Highways Agency and local highway and planning authorities.”

The agreement also recognises that the Mersey Gateway will play a major role in managing the forecast increases in overall traffic on the region’s roads through tolling. Forecasts show that the impact of tolls on future traffic levels will result in up to 40,000 fewer trips crossing the river between the Mersey Tunnels and M6, on an average working day in 2030, compared with the toll-free option.

David Grunwell, Director of North West Network Operations for the Highways Agency, said

“We’re delighted to be agreeing this Memorandum of Understanding with Halton today which reinforces our support for the project.

“The Mersey Gateway will help assist the management of future traffic levels and will allow us to cope better with major incidents on our region’s roads, especially at a time when demand for road access increases across the region.”