Call to deliver Forth crossing 'efficiently'

Published on Monday 18 April 2011 11:18

LEADING engineers today called for the "efficient delivery" of the new Forth crossing and the tram project to help kick-start growth.

The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Scotland said investment in the country's infrastructure was needed to help boost the economy.

In a report published today, the organisation said the "efficient delivery" of major projects such as the new Forth crossing and the Capital's tram project was "key" to maximising investment in infrastructure.

The group also called for an immediate increase in roads maintenance funding and said a balance needed to be struck in sharing the inevitable risk of major public projects.

Ken Laing, chairman of ICE Scotland, said: "There are a number of positives to be taken from the report, but we need to stay on top of maintaining our existing infrastructure efficiently just as much as investing in the future.

"Scotland's future depends on the quality of its infrastructure, without it nothing works and now is the time to get it right. Nations which neglect their underpinning infrastructure do so at their peril."