Work on Queensferry Crossing progressing well

Work on the Queensferry Crossing in Scotland is progressing well with over a quarter of the bridge deck now in place.

Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown today (15 December) visited the Queensferry Crossing to view the latest position with the construction of the new £1.35 to £1.4 billion project.

Mr Brown (pictured) said: “This has been another strong year of progress on the Forth Replacement Crossing. I’m delighted to report over a quarter of the bridge deck is in place with another 12 months to go before the Queensferry Crossing is open to traffic.

“The spectacular deck fans around each tower – formed by the stay cables which support the new deck sections – are now dominating the view of the Forth and the form of the finished bridge is rapidly taking shape.

“Everywhere you look major milestones are being reached and significant progress being made.

“The current closure of the Forth Road Bridge has brought into sharp focus the need for a new crossing over the Forth. The case for which was identified in Transport Scotland’s Forth Replacement Crossing Study of 2006.

“Responding to that study Ministers announced our intention to build a new cable stayed bridge by 2016. This challenging timescale was identified as necessary at the time due to the potential for future restrictions on the Forth Road Bridge.

“The project team are taking the chance to carry out works on and around the A90 near to the Forth Road Bridge when the closure is in place. This aims to minimise the impact and potential disruption to road users in future months.

“I am pleased to report the project remains on schedule and significantly under budget thanks to the Scottish Government’s diligent project management and the expertise and hard work of our contractors.”