Ministers admit bridge target is tough

MINISTERS have admitted that starting construction of a new Forth road bridge in three years' time will be a tough target.

John Swinney, the finance secretary, told MSPs yesterday some of his officials believed he was "courageous" to commit to such a tight timescale.

He said: "We are very anxious to be in a position to begin construction in 2011."

However, Mr Swinney said a decision on how the crossing would be funded would not be announced until later this year.

The cable-stayed bridge, taking 5 years to build, has been ordered because the Forth Road Bridge might have to close as a result of cable corrosion. Mr Swinney said the existing bridge may be repairable, but it would not be known until 2010-11 whether attempts to halt the corrosion had worked. The Scottish Government said ministers would then have to decide whether to replace the cables, and if two road bridges were required.