BUSINESS leaders and politicians last night welcomed government backing for the Mersey Gateway as one of the most important announcements for the region in the last decade.
Campaigners have relentlessly lobbied ministers for permission to build the crossing to help ease traffic pressure on the Runcorn bridge.
The gateway is also expected to have a massive economic impact on Merseyside, generating an extra £80m a year, creating at least 3,350 jobs and making the region a more attractive business base.
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling approved the plans for entry into Whitehall's programme of major schemes and agreed government funding of £209m.
Although the project still has a long way to go, yesterday's announcement is a major hurdle cleared, and means the Government has finally committed itself to the scheme.
The second bridge crossing will cost a total £500m to build and run for the next 30 years, the rest of which is expected to come from toll fees and PFI (Private Finance Initiative) funding.
Last night, Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council and chairman of the Mersey Crossing Group, thanked all the local authorities and organisations that have supported the bid over the years.
He added: "This is a real landmark day for Halton and for the whole Liverpool city region.
"It is the biggest event in Halton for many years and one of the most important announcements for Merseyside in the last decade.
"We have been campaigning long and hard for this day.
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