The Widnes–Runcorn Transporter Bridge crossed the river Mersey and Manchester Ship Canal linking the towns of Runcorn and Widnes.

A road bridge was clearly needed but it would have to pass high enough over the canal to allow the passage of ocean-going ships.

[4] In 1899 the Widnes & Runcorn Bridge Company was established under the chairmanship of Sir John Brunner to investigate the options.

[6] Parliamentary approval had already been obtained for a transporter bridge over the River Usk at Newport, Monmouthshire.

[10] The transporter bridge was opened (in the absence of King Edward VII who was indisposed) by Sir John Brunner on 29 May 1905.

[13] In its later years it made 49,000 journeys annually, carrying 280,000 cars, 145,000 commercial vehicles and over 2 million passengers.

The driver was sited in a cabin on top of the car from which he had an uninterrupted view in all directions.

On the Widnes side the power house remains and it has been designated as a Grade II* listed building by English Heritage.