FETA asks to manage new Forth bridge

BOSSES charged with managing the Forth Road Bridge have called for the right to oversee the new £2 billion crossing as well.

The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) said an "early decision" was needed on who would maintain the new crossing, which is due for completion in 2016.

The organisation said it made sense to utilise "existing experience and resources".

FETA Convener Phil Wheeler said: "FETA considers that, to ensure best value to the taxpayer and the most effective operation and maintenance of the two bridges, they should be managed jointly by a single operator.

"There are obvious efficiencies and operational benefits to be gained by avoiding duplication of resources."

He added: "We recognise that this might mean dissolving FETA and establishing a new body. However, our priority is what is best for the Forth bridges."

Barry Colford, FETA's chief engineer and bridgemaster, said: "Lessons learned from other major bridges show how important it is that the maintenance operator is involved at the procurement stage."

FETA says there is no mention of maintenance and operation of the new bridge in the current draft of the Forth Crossing Bill.