TWO of Wirral's busiest dockside bridges are to be replaced after Wirral council successfully bid for millions of pounds of government cash.

This week, the Government announced the successful bidders in tranche 1 of the Local Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund process, with councils across England receiving £275m for local major infrastructure projects.

As part of the process, Wirral Council has received £6.408m towards the replacement of two old highway bridges on Tower Road in Birkenhead.

Councillor Stuart Whittingham, cabinet member for highways and regeneration, said both bridges form a vital part of Wirral's strategic road network and the Merseyside.

He added that they provide a key link between the Twelve Quays ferry terminal, M53 Motorway and the Mersey Tunnels.

Replacing the bridges with modern structures will remove current height restrictions, reducing future maintenance costs and associated traffic congestion, and providing improved facilities for cyclists and pedestrian.

Cllr Whittingham continued: "I am delighted that Wirral Council has received funding for the replacement of these two key highway bridges.

"This is good news for Wirral and will result in future benefits for growth and development in the area.

"The council’s success in securing this funding is testament to the quality of the application submitted in what is a highly competitive process, and I would like to thank officers for all their hard work in formulating the bid documents."