Public inquiry hears Mersey Gateway team promise air monitoring to test bridge’s better air quality claims

Jun 4 2009 by Oliver Clay, Runcorn and Widnes Weekly News

THE MERSEY Gateway team told the public inquiry that Halton Borough Council ‘is looking to’ carry out extra air quality measurements in Halton before and after construction of the proposed second bridge.

The team had previously told the Weekly News that such measurements were not needed because computer modelling was equally if not more effective.

But a plan has now been devised to meet planning conditions.

The first tests will be taken before the bridge is built and then compared with tests taken within a year of the bridge’s opening.

Halton Council said it hopes to talk to residents’ groups about where the tests should be carried out. The council expects the tests to be along the bridge route, town centres and residential areas in both sides of Halton.

Yvonne Brown, an air quality expert, said the tests would ensure pollution targets are met.

Steve Nicholson, project director, added: “We think additional surveys before construction and once the bridge opens will demonstrate the positive impact the project will have and provide reassurance for local residents.”