THE Mersey Gateway project has generated £44 million and created 700 new jobs since work started on the iconic new bridge, figures released today reveal.

Around 1,000 people will be employed by the autumn.

Merseylink Consortium has commissioned 138 different suppliers and sub-contractors during the first year of construction of the £1.86 billion tolled crossing.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill, chairman of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: “It has been wonderful to watch the Mersey Gateway project pick up pace.

“Now we can actually see the bridge begin to take shape in the river.

“A lot of work has been carried out to prepare the site for construction and major work is ongoing to improve the road network around Halton to coincide with the bridge opening.

“During the coming months we will be able to see more and more activity on the river as we progress the works on the main pylons.

“This is a hugely important development for Halton and the north west as a whole.

“It has already brought new jobs and investment to the area but, once complete, it will regenerate both Runcorn and Widnes, relieve congestion and provide enormous economic, social and environmental benefits.”

Mersey Gateway Crossings Board employs 34 people.

Some 250 have been recruited by the three construction partners Kier, Samsun and FCC.

Around 440 people work for suppliers or sub-contractors.

At the peak of activity in the coming months, it is expected there will be up to 1,000 people working on the project across Halton.

Thomas Duncalf, a general operative from Runcorn, said: “I’m excited to be working on the Mersey Gateway project. It’s a great opportunity.

“My grandad worked on the Silver Jubilee bridge so this is an important part of my family history.

“I feel honoured to be part of the team building the new bridge.”

Sam Evans, director of S Evans & Sons Ltd, said: “We are very happy to play a part in the regeneration of the area.

“The scale of this project is enormous.

“We’ve been working across a number of different sites on both sides of the river, demolishing buildings and clearing the areas to make way for the construction team.

“The vast majority of materials are re-used or recycled in some way, which is very important.

“We have been instrumental in the processing and recycling of approximately 20,000 tons of concrete from the project.”

Hugh O’Connor, general Manager of Merseylink, said: “It’s very satisfying to look at these figures and know that Mersey Gateway is providing real jobs and investment for the regional economy.

“These numbers will increase as we move forward.”