New Forth crossing a step closer

Published on Wednesday 26 May 2010 22:35

PLANS to build a new £2.3 billion bridge across the Forth moved a step closer yesterday after being overwhelmingly backed by MSPs in a Scottish Parliament vote.

• An artist's impression shows how the new Forth crossing, which is scheduled for delivery in 2016, might appear. Picture: Complimentary

Scotland's biggest construction project will now be discussed in greater detail with individual concerns aired and amendments lodged.

The plans enjoy cross-party support. Only Green MSPs Robin Harper and Patrick Harvie intentionally voted against it. Justice secretary Kenny MacAskill, who has previously spoken in favour of a new bridge, also voted against, but later said he made a mistake.

Lothian MSP Margo MacDonald and Edinburgh West MSP Margaret Smith both abstained.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson said: "This is an important milestone for the Forth Replacement Crossing. There is now near-universal agreement that this project, the biggest Scottish infrastructure project for a generation, is vital to the sustainable growth of Scotland's economy."

The Scottish Parliament heard measures to reduce the noise and disruption to local residents had been added to the bill.

Working hours for building associated roads will be cut and a liaison group will be set up with local councils to try and deal with noise complaints.

Mr Stevenson said: "I have concluded that we can change working hours without compromising unduly the delivery of the project. The normal working hours for roadworks will be from 8am to 7pm."

A new crossing has been on the cards since operators of the existing bridge found "fairly significant" corrosion in its cables in 2004.

While work is being carried out to try to halt or slow this, Mr Stevenson said: "What will not be recovered is the loss of strength already measured." Members of the Forth Crossing Bill Committee have scrutinised the legislation for the new bridge. Committee convener Jackson Carlaw said members were convinced there was "no alternative" to a new bridge but said its cost could overrun.

The committee has called for stringent monitoring to try to prevent the budget being exceeded. "None of us do wish this project to prove a bridge too far and no one wants to see this project run over budget," he added.

Green MSP Mr Harvie said that the existing bridge could be repaired "for a fraction of the cost of new-build is an undisputed fact".

However, Labour's Charlie Gordon said the proposed bridge would be a project of "national significance".

"Repair as a strategy, repair of the existing Forth Bridge alone, is an option that has too many downsides," he added.

Tory MSP Alex Johnston said: "If we really, genuinely believe in economic development within Scotland as a whole, this bridge is a priority."

Liberal Democrat MSP Margaret Smith said: "I have no doubt in my mind that the new crossing, and its associated roads, while absolutely necessary for the country as a whole, will have a major detrimental impact on the quality of life of hundreds of my constituents."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: "Mr MacAskill cast one vote in error. He is completely supportive of the bill, as is the overwhelming majority of parliament."