Bridge options

You refer to concerns regarding main cable corrosion on the Forth Road Bridge (your report, 2 February). The bridge is similar to the Severn bridge and engineers for that bridge are satisfied that corrosion of the main cables can be addressed and the bridge remain in operation for a further 30 years.

The bridge engineers cannot be unaware of this, so can we now focus on the real reason for the new bridge, namely that the existing one is operating at 150 per cent of its design capacity?

Surely the existing bridge is not to be allocated only for public transport?

The present demand for public transport is insignificant. Even with natural expansion of this sector the bridge would be significantly under capacity.

It would be much better to limit the new bridge to cars and motorbikes.

JOHN KELLY

High Street

Dalkeith, Midlothian