£2.3bn bridge plans under MSPs scrutiny

PLANS to build a new £2.3 billion bridge across the Firth of Forth were set to come before MSPs today.

A Holyrood committee has already backed the proposals for the crossing, and this afternoon the Scottish Parliament were set to debate the general principles of the project.

The Forth Crossing Bill must be approved by Holyrood before the bridge can be built.

Earlier this month members of the Forth Bridge Crossing Bill Committee said they were "satisfied" with the general Bill, but added that steps should be taken to ensure minimal disruption while the bridge is built.

The committee recommended the rules governing construction practices be strengthened to try to minimise disruption to local residents and road users.

Committee convener Jackson Carlaw said: "The committee wants procedures in place to ensure strict monitoring of costs."