The iconic Mersey Gateway set to create almost 5,000 jobs has been named as one of the world’s most innovative and important projects.

The new £600 million bridge over the River Mersey linking Runcorn and Widnes has been listed in the KPMG Infrastructure 100 league table.

It will be the biggest feat of engineering in the country, employing more than 500 construction workers.

Halton Council leader, Clr Rob Polhill said: “It is quite an accolade to have this project in the top 100 in the world.

“We always knew it would be special and quite iconic.

“More importantly, we know it is desperately needed so we can’t wait to have it up and running.”

The six-lane tolled crossing is due to open in 2016.

The guide compares the Gateway to the £800m Bosphorus Tunnel, beneath the Turkish seabed linking Asia and Europe.

The report, published today, says: “In contrast, the Mersey Gateway in the UK doesn’t connect continents but offers an equally impressive and desperately needed solution improving mobility and economic growth throughout the Liverpool city region, north Cheshire and the north west of the UK.”

Mersey Gateway project director, Steve Nicholson, said:"Mersey Gateway appearing on such a list of prestigious projects is further evidence that we are dealing with a very special initiative where the benefits are being recognised across the world.

"The judges have set a very high bar and we are delighted to have been included alongside the other major schemes on the list.

"Mersey Gateway's inclusion highlights its vital role in the region's regeneration plans and in bringing about economic growth."

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