Approval to build a new bridge over the River Mersey could now be only a few months away after extra studies revealed that the impact of the crossing on the River Mersey and the wider road network would not be significant.

These studies, which were requested by the Government last year, have today (November 30th) been sent back to the Department for Transport for consideration.

Supporters of the crossing - which has been renamed The Mersey Gateway to reflect its strategic regional importance - say they are delighted with the findings and are confident that a final decision will be made early in the New Year.

The studies, which were requested when the Government declared the crossing bid as 'super work in progress' in December 2003, reveal that if only three of the bridge towers were in the water, the impact of the structure on the River Mersey would be negligible.

And with the help of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, the research also suggests the new crossing would not cause any significant changes to traffic flows on the existing road network, particularly the M60, M62, M6 and M56, and, therefore, would not put pressure on motorway junctions leading to the bridge.

Councillor Tony McDermott, Leader of Halton Borough Council and Chair of the Mersey Crossing Group, said: "We are delighted with the outcome of the studies and are very confident that we have been able to answer all the Government's questions.

"We have looked at everything the Government asked of us, and it is our opinion that there is now no reason why we cannot be given final go-ahead to build the crossing.

"The Mersey Gateway has overwhelming support from the local community, regional MPs and public/private sector organisations across the North West, and we hope this strength of feeling will play a major part in the Government's decision."

Although it remains the desire of Halton Borough Council to have a free-to-user crossing, a range of different tolling options has also been submitted at the Government's request.

The authority is recommending a bridge with tolls, but with a substantial discount for local cars and light vehicles, and a frequent user discount for HGVs, both of which should keep the cost of crossing the bridge as low as possible for local users.

If a free-to-use bridge were chosen, the cost to the Government of this option has been calculated to be in excess of £750m, which would include the building and maintenance of the new crossing plus maintenance of the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

Councillor McDermott added: "In our final submission to the Government, we have once again reiterated our desire for a free-to-user crossing, and in an ideal world we would not have to consider tolling.

"However, we have proposed a strategy that is based on striking the balance between the realistic level of support we can expect from the government with the minimum level of tolling, particularly for local residents who have no alternative routes available.

"If it comes down to having no new crossing or a new crossing with tolls, I am sure local people and businesses who currently suffer the horrendous daily congestion problems experienced on the Silver Jubilee Bridge will join with us in agreeing that building The Mersey Gateway is the only solution."

It is expected that the Government will make a final decision on funding for the new crossing early in 2005, with a fast-track target timetable following that could see The Mersey Gateway open to the public by 2012, or sooner.