We need a new Forth bridge, repairing old one is not a viable option – MSPs

Published on Wednesday 12 May 2010 23:04

REPAIRING the Forth Road Bridge rather than replacing it is "not a viable option", MSPs ruled yesterday, as they backed a new £2 billion crossing in principle.

• An artist's impression of the new Forth crossing. Picture: Complimentary

However, a Holyrood committee called for tighter controls to minimise the impact of construction on residents, and for strict monitoring of costs.

The Forth Crossing Bill committee said there were "economic imperatives associated with the new crossing".

But it concluded that closing the existing bridge while its rusting main support cables were replaced was "too simplistic and not a viable option".

The committee agreed the lifespan of the bridge could be extended, but added: "There can be no guarantee as to how far into the future that extension could be."

Dry air is being blown into the cables in an attempt to halt the corrosion, but it may be two years before the success of the project can be confirmed. The new bridge, just west of the existing crossing, is due to open in 2016. This would be before any traffic restrictions might be imposed to reduce the load on the current bridge if the drying process fails.

The committee recommended stronger rules governing construction practices to try to minimise disruption to residents and road users. It also called for adequate checks to monitor the cost of the bridge and for the organisations involved in the project to ensure maximum scope for public transport.

Jackson Carlaw, its convener, said: "The committee was satisfied with the general principles of the bill. However, it wants to ensure that although there will inevitably be disruption for local residents and for road users, there is a measure of protection.

"A strengthening of the Code of Construction Practice will provide some reassurance and increase protection for those worst affected, and Transport Scotland will need to come back to the committee to demonstrate that this has been done."

Mr Carlaw pointed out that councils and business groups had said firms and communities would be disrupted anyway if a new bridge was not built.

"It is also of huge importance that this multi-million-pound project remains on track in terms of budget, so the committee wants procedures in place to ensure strict monitoring of costs," he said.

Environmental campaigners attacked the committee's support for the project and said the existing bridge could be repaired for 122m – a fraction of the cost of a new crossing.

Green MSP Patrick Harvie said: "Once again, the other parties at Holyrood have united in a blinkered effort to try and force this deeply unpopular project through.

"Given how cheaply the existing Forth Road Bridge could be repaired, this plan is a totally unnecessary drain on Scotland's budget just as it comes under the greatest pressure since the beginning of devolution."

Friends of the Earth Scotland said the Scottish taxpayer faced having to fork out nearly 600m a year for the next two years alone on the scheme.

Juliet Swann, its head of projects and campaigns, said: "At a time when we are expecting huge cuts from the new UK government, it makes no sense to propose spending millions of pounds on this unnecessary development. As well as facing up to the fiscal crisis and the necessary cuts, we must face up to the climate crisis and cut projects like the Forth crossing."

But Edinburgh West Liberal Democrat MSP Margaret Smith, who represents South Queensferry, said: "The report is good news for those who will be affected by the long construction period with its recommendation to strengthen the rules governing construction practices."

The Scottish Parliament will debate the report before the committee goes on to consider the details of the scheme.