The Silver Jubilee Bridge is now open to traffic following completion of a major refurbishment programme.
When the Mersey Gateway opened in 2017, 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.
There is now a 30MPH speed limit on the bridge and its approaches.
Drivers using the Silver Jubilee Bridge are required to pay a road charge (toll) to cross.
If you are already registered to use the Mersey Gateway Bridge then you do not need to do anything to start using the Silver Jubilee Bridge. The charging, discount and registration scheme is exactly the same as for the Mersey Gateway. The quickest and easiest way to pay for crossings is to register with Merseyflow. If you are not registered please visit www.merseyflow.co.uk
Access to the SJB is from the Ditton Road junction and West Bank in Widnes, and from the new Bridgewater Expressway roundabout in Runcorn.
The roundabout was constructed as part of the ‘de-linking’ of the SJB which has seen the creation of a new road layout providing improved access to the town centre and railway station, and paving the way for the Runcorn Station Quarter development.
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.”
Council Leader, Cllr Rob Polhill, added: “Congratulations to all the Council staff and contractors who have worked on this fantastic project to restore our bridge to its former glory. It has been a long haul but definitely worth it to see this result.
“We will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the bridge with a special event later this year, which is also Halton’s year as Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture”.
Photos by Ian Cank Aerial Photography & Videography