Councillors plan for new Forth crossing

Published on 02/07/2004 01:25

COUNCILLORS who run the Forth Road Bridge are expected to press ahead next week with plans for a new crossing.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) has recommended proposals be developed for a new bridge, principally to carry public transport, such as buses, trams or trains.

The crossing, which could cost 1 billion and take nine years to complete, would form part of the next transport blueprint for the area.

A draft of FETA’s local transport strategy for the next 15 years rejects a further standard road crossing. It states: "FETA accepts that a new road bridge is not the answer, as this would be counter to the objectives and policies of its member authorities and of the government."

Instead, it said a business case should be developed for a new "multi-modal" crossing.

The new bridge would include windshielding to reduce restrictions imposed during strong winds, diversions for tall vehicles and speed limits.

The move comes as the Forth Road Bridge, which celebrates its 40th birthday in September, struggles to cope with steadily increasing traffic. It is carrying 24 million vehicles a year - twice its design capacity.

Consultants reported last month that a new road bridge would cost 300 million, with approach roads adding a further 200 million. A wider bridge to accommodate trams along the middle would push up the cost to 360 million, and to 398 million if the trams ran on a lower deck.

However, extra strengthening that would be required to enable trains to use the bridge would mean the cost rising to 580 million, with up to an extra 500 million for approach roads and tunnels.

The principal members of FETA are split over the plans. Fife Council wants work to start as soon as possible, but its Edinburgh counterpart believes that the structure may be only a long-term requirement.

The Scottish Executive, which would play a key role, has said it has "no current plans" for a new crossing, but that this would be reviewed by 2007.