THE reopening of Runcorn bridge has been delayed by more than a year – because of the weather.

Transport bosses have blamed 'adverse weather' on 18 months of delays to the re-development of the Silver Jubilee Bridge.

Before the Mersey Gateway opened in October 2017, the Runcorn bridge provided a free route for drivers crossing the River Mersey since 1961.

It was expected to be re-opened by summer 2018 but this week a Halton Transport officer disappointed drivers announcing the crossing  won’t be re-opening until 2020.

Tim Gibbs, the council’s operational director for planning, policy and transportation, said 'adverse weather', was the main reason for the 18 month delay.

The announcement has angered many drivers.

One said on Facebook: “How can a project be 18 months behind after 18 months because of the weather!”

Another said: “What adverse weather? Pretty normal weather conditions.”

One driver  joked: “Dreadful, all that fine dry weather, fancy . . . I’d have thought it would have helped the paint dry . . . But hey.”

And one fumed: “The last time they painted the ‘Runcorn Bridge’ I seem to remember it covered in scaffolding with sheeting to prevent the rain from affecting the process of painting!”

The Grade II listed bridge has been treated to a lick of paint and essential maintenance works while it has been closed.

It will also be tolled when it eventually does reopen using the same cashless tolling system as the Mersey Gateway.

Drivers will have to fork out £2 each way to cross the river between Runcorn and Widnes on both routes.

In a further blow to residents, Mr Gibbs said the council would also take longer to revise the road layout leading up to the Runcorn bridge and the building of a new roundabout outside Runcorn train station.

New roadworks around the bridge are part of major plans to 're-set negative perceptions' of Runcorn through regeneration around the town’s station.