A second movable scaffold system (MSS) is on its way from China to the UK for the Mersey Gateway Project, a toll bridge being constructed over the Mersey River in England.

The new machine will be used for the construction of a south elevated approach viaduct that will connect the main road of Runcorn to the Mersey Gateway Bridge.

The new MSS has almost the same physical specifications as that of Trinity, the machine that is currently building the north approach viaduct in Widnes.

"Bringing in another MSS will provide additional resilience and ensure that we remain on track to open the new bridge in autumn 2017."

When fully assembled, the second MSS will measure 157m long, 8m high and 22m across at its widest point.

At 1,700t, the steel structure will weigh the equivalent of 140 double decker buses.

The MSS is currently being manufactured in China as UK companies currently do not have skills and expertise to design, build and operate a machine of this specification.

It will arrive in Runcorn over the next month.

The new machine will be assembled around the first pier of the approach viaduct approximately 12.5m above the ground.

Merseylink project director Richard Walker said: "On a project of this scale, a degree of flexibility in the programme is always needed so we can make improvements when necessary.

"Bringing in another MSS will provide additional resilience and ensure that we remain on track to open the new bridge in autumn 2017."