 In 1899 Brunner ( who had by then been created a baronet ) became chairman of the Runcorn and Widnes Transporter Bridge Company . He subscribed £ 25 @,@ 000 ( £ 2 @.@ 5 million in 2016 ) towards its construction plus a loan of £ 12 @,@ 000 ( £ 1 @.@ 2 million in 2016 ) together with a personal guarantee on a bank loan of £ 31 @,@ 000 ( £ 3 @.@ 1 million in 2016 ) . When the building of the bridge was complete in 1905 it was due to be opened by Edward VII , but the king was unable to attend , and so Brunner performed the ceremony himself . By 1911 it had become apparent that the bridge would always operate at a loss , and Brunner assigned his interest in it to Widnes Corporation . The Times stated that this action amounted to a " virtual gift of £ 68 @,@ 000 " ( £ 6 @.@ 2 million in 2016 ) . 
