CHANCELLOR George Osborne came to Runcorn to see where the second Mersey crossing will be built.

He met David Parr, Halton Council’s chief executive at Wigg Island country park, and viewed the exact spot where the six lane bridge will span the estuary, linking Astmoor in Runcorn to Widnes Waterfront.

He personally approved the £431 milliion project in the comprehensive spending review and is confident the new bridge will generate extra revenue and boost the north west economy.

Mr Osborne said: “I hope by January to have in place the funding package, which will involve money from central government for the purchase of land and will help with construction.

“It is always pointed out to me the second Mersey crossing would bring major regeneration and reduce congestion on the existing bridge.

“I was very clear the gateway was a scheme I wanted at the top of the list.”

The Mersey Gateway, set to create up to 5,000 jobs, is the largest of 10 projects across the UK given priority status in the Department of Transport’s forthcoming programme.

Steve Nicholson, Mersey Gateway project director, said: “It is fantastic.

“We are sitting pretty in terms of the Department of Transport programme.

“The government has acknowledged that we need additional funding support and has asked us to discuss options.”

Plans to introduce tolling technology on the M25 at Dartford, he said, could pave the way for savings on the Gateway’s proposed tolling booths.

Mr Nicholson, added: “Electronic tolling means you could speed up the through put of traffic and save money.

“Instead of a barrier, you could have vehicle detection.”

The Mersey Gateway team is meeting Department of Transport officials next month to explore cost saving options.

The project still awaits planning consent.