The Mersey Gateway Bridge, a six-lane toll bridge spanning the River Mersey between Runcorn and Widnes, represented one of the most significant infrastructure improvement projects in the UK and Europe.
The £600 million landmark project required exceptional planning, engineering expertise, and specialised heavy lifting capabilities to bring to fruition. At the centre of these critical lifting operations was John Sutch Cranes, who demonstrated their capability to support major infrastructure projects through their fleet deployment, operational excellence, and commitment to safety.
Challenge
The scale and complexity of the Mersey Gateway Bridge project presented unique challenges:
• Need for diverse crane capacities to handle various lifting requirements across multiple construction phases
• Requirement for 24/7 operational capability to maintain the project's ambitious timeline
• Stringent safety protocols necessary for over-water operations
• Coordination with multiple contractors working simultaneously across the 2.3km bridge span
• Adapting to changing engineering requirements and weather conditions
• Managing lifting operations in environmentally sensitive areas
Solution
John Sutch Cranes deployed a significant portion of their fleet to the project, including some of their largest and most specialised units.
Our contribution included:
• Mobilising a diverse range of cranes from smaller mobile units to heavy lifting specialists
• Maintaining 24/7 operations for nine consecutive months to support continuous construction activities
• Providing skilled operators with specific experience in bridge construction projects
• Implementing comprehensive lift planning and risk assessment procedures
• Coordinating with main contractors to optimise crane positioning and scheduling
• Delivering responsive technical support to adapt to evolving project requirements
Results
John Sutch Cranes' involvement was instrumental to the successful completion of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, which opened to traffic in October 2017.
Our contribution delivered:
• Zero accidents or safety incidents despite the challenging working environment
• On-time completion of critical lifting operations, supporting the overall project timeline
• Efficient resource allocation that maximised crane utilisation while controlling costs.
•Successful handling of complex structural components, including the bridge's distinctive cable-stayed design
• Enhanced reputation as a trusted partner for nationally significant infrastructure projects
Key Testimonials
John Sutch, Owner, John Sutch Cranes:
"The Mersey Gateway Bridge project represents everything our company stands for – technical excellence, unwavering commitment to safety, and the ability to deliver on major infrastructure projects. Having the majority of our fleet deployed 24/7 for nine months demonstrated our capacity and reliability as a lifting partner.
"This project will stand as a landmark in the region for generations, and we're immensely proud of our contribution to creating this engineering masterpiece."
Hayley Sutch, Designate Managing Director, John Sutch Cranes:
"Managing our resources across the Mersey Gateway project while maintaining service levels for our other clients was a significant logistical challenge. The success of this project showcases our operational capabilities and the dedication of our entire team. From planning through to execution, we maintained our focus on safety and efficiency, delivering exactly what the project required. This project has become a reference point for how we approach large-scale infrastructure work."
Paul Parry, Sales Director, John Sutch Cranes:
"Working on the Mersey Gateway Bridge required us to draw on our full range of capabilities and experience. The diverse lifting requirements across different construction phases meant we needed to provide everything from smaller mobile cranes to our largest heavy lifting specialists. Our ability to rapidly respond to changing needs on the ground and maintain 24/7 operations was crucial to keeping the project moving forward. This project has strengthened our position as the go-to crane hire company for major infrastructure developments."
Tony Shackleton, formerly of Kier Group, and ex-Technical Sales Rep at John Sutch Cranes:
"Having overseen the crane operations from the main contractor side during the Mersey Gateway project, I experienced firsthand the exceptional service that John Sutch Cranes provides. Their technical expertise, responsiveness, and focus on safety were instrumental in overcoming the numerous lifting challenges we faced. The complex nature of the bridge construction required precise coordination and execution of lifting operations, which they delivered consistently throughout the project.
"Their performance was a key factor in the successful completion of what was one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects of recent years.”
Political Support and Recognition
The Mersey Gateway Bridge project received strong backing from politicians at local, regional, and national levels, recognising its importance for economic development and transportation improvement. Rt Hon. Chris Grayling MP, Transport Secretary (at time of opening), said:
"The Mersey Gateway is a prime example of how infrastructure investment can transform regional connectivity. Projects of this scale require exceptional partners at every level, and specialist contractors like John Sutch Cranes have played a vital role in turning the vision into reality. The successful delivery of this bridge demonstrates British engineering and construction at its finest."
Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, said:
"This bridge represents more than just a crossing over the Mersey; it's a gateway to opportunity and prosperity for our entire region. The dedicationshown by local companies like John Sutch Cranes, who committed significant resources to this project, highlights the world-class expertise we have here in the Liverpool City Region. Their contribution has helped create a landmark that will benefit our communities for generations."
Derek Twigg, MP for Widnes and Runcorn, now Widnes and Halewood, said:
"Having campaigned for this crossing for many years, seeing the Mersey Gateway Bridge take shape was extraordinary. The round-the-clock operations, with cranes visible across the skyline day and night, showed the immense effort going into this project. Local businesses like John Sutch Cranes have demonstrated how our regional enterprises can deliver on nationally significant infrastructure, creating jobs and supporting our economy."
Project Impact
The Mersey Gateway Bridge has transformed connectivity in the region, reducing congestion, improving journey times, and supporting economic growth across Liverpool City Region and the North West. For John Sutch Cranes, the project represented a landmark achievement that demonstrated their capability to support nationally significant infrastructure development at the highest level.
The project has enhanced the company's reputation as a leading provider of crane hire services for complex engineering projects, positioning them for future involvement in major UK infrastructure initiatives such as HS2.
About John Sutch Cranes
John Sutch Cranes is one of the UK's leading crane hire companies, providing comprehensive lifting solutions to clients across multiple sectors. With a modern fleet ranging from small mobile cranes to specialised heavy lifting units, the company delivers expertise, reliability, and safety to construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects throughout the UK.
