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Mersey Gateway bosses today confirmed they have held ‘very positive discussions’ with Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP about the project.

A spokesperson for the project said: “We have had a very positive face to face discussion with the Secretary of State for Transport and we are all working hard to reach a final agreement that ensures we get the best value for money for everybody involved. That means local residents, commuters, businesses and local and central government, and we are confident we are very close to doing that.”

“It is clear from the support received from the Secretary of State that the case for the new crossing is accepted by the Coalition Government. The Secretary of State recognises that and we are working hard to agree a final deal as quickly as possible and we are optimistic that an announcement will be made in the autumn.”

The project was given initial funding approval by Chancellor George Osborne as part of the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review, and then received planning approval in December 2010.

Its size and complexity has meant delays in agreeing the final details of the funding package from government – the Government’s contribution to the project is expected to be over £260 million, which makes it larger than all the other local transport schemes currently being considered by Government.