A public walk over the new Mersey Gateway Bridge for the general public was considered and discussed at length in the development of the opening events for the new crossing.

For a number of reasons, including legal, contractual, financial, health and safety, along with commercial implications for our contractor, a walk over the bridge was not feasible.

We know our local community are fully engaged with the project and want the opportunity to celebrate the completion of this piece of iconic new infrastructure. This is why we have organised a spectacular fireworks display for the community of Halton and others to enjoy.

The display is the first of a number of ways we are planning to commemorate this momentous occasion – more details will be released over the coming weeks.

We will also be announcing community events incorporating a bus tour of the new crossing in the near future.

We want to thank those who have waited patiently for this bridge for many, many years and the road users who have borne the burden of disruption during the last three and a half years while construction took place.

With the new bridge opening soon we can now look forward to a future of quicker, vastly improved and more reliable journeys across the borough and the region.

More detail will be shared closer to the bridge opening date – we encourage everyone to keep an eye on the project websitewww.merseygateway.co.ukand our social media channels.