Scottish Parliament approves Forth Bridge plans

The Scottish Parliament has passed a bill that will see a new company set up to manage the Forth Road Bridge, the new Forth Crossing and the surrounding roads.

The main outcomes from the bill, which was passed by the Scottish Parliament on Thursday (23 May), include:

• Twin bridge management to provide operational efficiency in managing the existing Forth Road bridge and the new Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC)



• Estimated savings of £6 million over five years from the opening of the FRC



• Use of the exisiting Forth Road bridge for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The Forth Road Bridge bill is a step forward in managing the future of transport across the Firth of Forth. We will now take forward a robust tendering process to ensure that the high quality of service delivered by the current operators FETA continues and is improved upon where possible. Existing FETA staff will transfer over to the new operating arrangements, bringing with them a range of experience and expertise to contribute to refreshed operational efficiency, improved capacity and safety in the future of the Forth Road Bridge.

“Tendering for the operating company contract for the Forth Road Bridge and the Forth Replacement Crossing is the next stage. At the heart of this contract will be a requirement to engage with the local community to ensure that their views shape and influence the future of cross Forth transport.

“The Forth Road Bridge will continue to play an important role in the future of sustainable transport and will be used by public transport, cyclists and pedestrians when the Forth Replacement Crossing opens.”