THE £390m Mersey Gateway project to create a second Runcorn bridge cleared another major hurdle last night, when Halton councillors backed the scheme.

The project would see an iconic new bridge built over the Mersey between the towns of Runcorn and Widnes.

Two planning applications were considered last night, at a special hearing dedicated to the scheme.

One outlined major alterations to the road network in Runcorn and Widnes, while the other was for listed building consent to change the traffic flow and road layout on the Silver Jubilee Bridge once the new Mersey Gateway bridge has been built.

Backers say a second Runcorn bridge will speed up journey times by removing a major bottleneck, as well as attract new investment to the region.

Last night’s decision means the Mersey Gateway project can now proceed to the Secretary of State without objection. However, given the size and importance of the scheme, it is almost inevitable there will be a public inquiry.

If everything is approved, the new toll bridge is expected to be open in 2014.

Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Council and chair of the Mersey Gateway Executive Board, said: “This is a major milestone for the project and keeps us on track to deliver a new crossing that will be a catalyst for delivering major changes and improvements for the future of Halton and the surrounding region.

“We will continue to work closely with local people and all our partners to ensure we deliver a project that brings the maximum possible benefits to the region.”

Halton Council’s chief executive, David Parr, added: “The whole region is looking for this project to bring major benefits to the area. This is an exciting time for the region as this project, combined with plans for the region’s ports and Liverpool John Lennon Airport, will bring substantial new opportunities.”

As part of the project, large areas of land in Widnes and Runcorn will be cleared as part of a wider regeneration scheme to create new leisure, housing and office premises.

Compulsory purchase powers will be used to buy land required along the route for the project to go ahead.

Claire Hall, the Mersey Gateway project manager, said: “We are confident that the detailed proposals that were before the council’s development control committee will result in a stunning new bridge.”

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