THE iconic Silver Jubilee Bridge will reopen later this month - four years after it closed.

The bridge, which links Runcorn and Widnes, has been undergoing refurbishment since 2017 when the Mersey Gateway opened.

The grade II listed structure is the seventh largest steel arch bridge in the world and the closure has been the first in its 60 year history.

Like the Mersey Gateway, drivers will need to pay a toll to cross.

The 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.

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 will be 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 bridge 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 almost ready for local residents to travel across once again.”

Council leader 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”.