THE man at the helm of developing Halton’s new toll bridge is stepping down, it was announced today.

David Parr, chief executive of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board (MGCB), is returning to his full time role as chief executive of Halton Council.

Mr Parr has led the Mersey Gateway Project for the last 13 years through the development, procurement and construction phases, to its successful opening on October 14.

The operations phase of the project is now well underway and it was always envisaged this would provide an opportunity to review the senior leadership arrangements.

A new managing director who will also undertake the role of operational director will be appointed to take over.

Mr Parr said: “I am enormously proud of what we have achieved to deliver Mersey Gateway.

“The size and complexity of the project and the challenges we have overcome cannot be understated.

“The team that has delivered the project has been exceptional and it has been a great privilege for me to work with ambitious and brave politicians, some of the most outstanding experts in their field from all around the world and a core team who are second to none.

“The Mersey Gateway is not only an iconic structure everyone can be proud of but it is already changing lives.

“Quicker, more reliable and consistent journeys across the River Mersey are helping businesses grow and creating new employment opportunities, bringing in new investment to the area and giving commuters more time with their families and a better quality of life.

“It is a bridge to prosperity and I am confident that as the community grows more confident with the benefits the Mersey Gateway brings Halton will go from strength to strength."

The new managing director will be appointed prior to the departure of the current construction director Paul Fenwick in June 2018 when his four year fixed term appointment comes to an end.

From summer 2018, MGCB will operate with two executive directors, a managing director and operational director and finance director.

More detail about the new appointment and MGCB leadership structure will be released next summer.