New Forth Crossing goes to tender

The contract notice has been submitted for publication by Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government agency in charge of the scheme.

It is anticipated that the tender documents for the project will be issued to the selected bidders by the end of 2009 and the contract awarded in spring 2011.The bridge is due to open in 2016

“I am delighted that the Forth Replacement Crossing project continues to make progress towards delivery as demanded by the people of Scotland,” said Scottish transport minister Stewart Stevenson. “The need to protect and improve the capacity for cross-Forth travel is beyond doubt and the Scottish Government is absolutely clear that sustainable economic growth must be promoted in these difficult financial times.

Stevenson emphasised that the funding for the bridge is secure and will be funded by the Scottish Government

“We have been clear that the Forth Replacement Crossing will be funded directly by the Scottish Government from existing capital budgets,” said Stevenson. “Against the backdrop of the global economic downturn, we are driving forward the largest transport investment programme Scotland has ever seen with a number of vital projects, of which the FRC is the biggest.”

The contract is expected to be priced between £900m and £1.2bn and includes detailed design and construction of the main crossing and road connections.

The Scottish Government will seek approval for the project through a Parliamentary Bill, which is expected to be introduced to Parliament at the end of this year.

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