The grade Ⅱ listed Runcorn Bridge (also known as the Silver Jubilee Bridge) has been enabling motorists to cross the River Mersey and the Manchester Ship Canal since 1961. Increased traffic has resulted in the decision to build a second, six-lane toll road crossing, which is currently under construction. The Mersey Gateway Bridge will be located just 1.5km to the east of the Silver Jubilee Bridge and will ease congestion and improve safety in the area. Its 2.3km length includes a 1km span crossing the river, which will be supported by three towers, anchored by foundations cast beneath the river bed. These towers will provide the structures to which the suspension bridge's cable supports will be attached, and draining the three tower sites in the river for construction of their foundations is one of the most technically demanding aspects of the project.
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