 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).
