Heat on for decision on new Forth crossing

Published on Saturday 2 June 2007 12:16

TRANSPORT chiefs have been urged to make a quick decision on a new Forth crossing after it emerged that replacing cables on the road bridge will cause huge traffic delays.

A report from bridge operators FETA showed that replacing or strengthening the bridge's main cable is possible, but would involve completely closing the 41-year-old structure every weekend for almost a year. It would also cause roadworks during peak commuter hours.

This has put the decision on the new 1 billion bridge or tunnel back in the spotlight, with opposition politicians calling for the SNP administration to choose.

Dry air is currently being blown into cables to halt corrosion but the results will not be known until 2011 - just two years before lorries are set to be banned from the bridge. It is thought that replacing the cables would cost at least 100 million. A new crossing would take up to 11 years to build, and it is anticipated that the bridge will close to all traffic in 2019.

Ministers will use the FETA report and studies by Transport Scotland to influence their decision on a new crossing but have not said when it will be taken.

Tory transport spokesman, Alex Johnstone MSP said: "The latest report on the bridge highlights a decision needs to be taken on this as soon as possible."

Options include replacing or strengthening the existing cable. The work could take seven years, with 50 complete weekend closures possible in the first year and a series of contraflow operations of up to 32 weeks at a time.

Edinburgh's transport leader, and new FETA chairman, Phil Wheeler is to meet transport minister Stewart Stevenson to call for a speedy decision.

He said: "We don't have much option in that we have to do something to sort out the main cable. The different options will have a huge impact on our side of the water so something needs to be sorted as quickly as possible."

Weekday traffic would need to be cut by 50 per cent to carry out cable replacement works.

Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce spokesman Graham Bell said: "It is absolutely clear that we need a new Forth crossing and it is obvious that the cables on the current bridge will not last forever. The ideal scenario is to build a new crossing, then carry out the cable work on the current bridge to get it back on line.

"This decision needs to be taken soon because the country's economic vibrancy depends on it."

Bridgemaster Alastair Andrew said: "The big question was always the impact of the traffic restrictions required to carry out the works safely, and it is clear that these would result in significant delays to the strategic roads network over a number of years."

A Scottish Executive spokes-man said: "This government is committed to a new Forth crossing. Early findings state that the option to replace or strengthen the main cable is available if necessary. This will inform the forthcoming cabinet discussions."

Bridge resurfacing under way

A DECENT weather forecast means resurfacing work on the Forth Road Bridge has begun this weekend.

The project involves resurfacing the northbound carriageway between Edinburgh and Fife.

As a result of the vital work, the carriageway will be closed over 16 weekends this summer with a contraflow system in operation on the opposite lanes.

Dehumidification equipment is also being installed in a bid to fight the 41-year-old bridge's corrosion problems.

Work started at 7pm last night and will finish at 6am on Monday.

The weekend roadworks will stop on June 18 for the busy tourist season, including the Royal Highland Show, and will resume on September 7.

Work is then expected to last until October 29.

SNP to consider airport rail link alternatives

SNP leaders are to look at cheaper options to replace the 650 million rail link to Edinburgh Airport, it was reported today.

Scaled-down plans for the link are set to be presented to the Scottish Cabinet next week, which would include a spur line terminating at a station at the airport and a surface loop from the Edinburgh to Fife line.

Plans to scrap a proposed rail tunnel under the airport are also to be discussed, despite it being a key element of the current scheme which has already been approved by MSPs.

The SNP-controlled Scottish Executive has already vowed to scrap the 650 million project in favour of a cheaper option - with the savings used to fund improvements to Scotland's rail network.

It claims that a spur line from Edinburgh or a loop from the Fife line would be cheaper, although they would also reduce the number of routes from which trains could run through the airport.

It is believed that the spur line would be the cheaper of the two options, as it would not require new legislation - unlike the loop, which industry sources have said cannot be built under existing legislation.