Queensferry Crossing deck lifted into place

An 800 tonne deck unit is lifted into place on the Queensferry Crossing's north tower. Picture: PA

Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said the positioning of the first 800-tonne section of deck across the Forth rounds off “a momentous week” for public building projects in Scotland.

“The Borders Railway opened, A9 dualling began and the Queensferry Crossing reached another important milestone,” he said.

“The opening of Borders Railway not only provided a party for people to remember, but many more opportunities for work, leisure, study and investment and business in the area and the wider Scottish economy.

“Construction work also began on the £3 billion project to upgrade 80 miles of the A9 between Perth and Inverness.

“This project will be one of the largest and most challenging infrastructure projects in Scotland’s history.

“When the programme is complete, it will have enormous economic and social benefits for communities along the length of the road, and beyond.

“On the Queensferry Crossing, deck lifting began in earnest and will see the filling of the gaps between the bridge’s towers.

“This is the start of some spectacular engineering and as work progresses with further sections of deck lifted and cables attached, it will become even more of a remarkable sight.

“While the weather has been poor this year, especially wind conditions on the Forth, this is further evidence of the great job the workforce is doing to make such progress on the new bridge.

“All of these projects are examples of our record levels of investment in infrastructure and all of these projects are delivering significant opportunities for business and economic development.”

Tomorrow, Mr Brown will announce details of multimillion-pound sub-contracts awarded to date as part of the M8, M73 and M74 Motorway Improvements Project.

As part of the Cabinet’s visit to Coatbridge, Mr Brown will view progress on the new M8, adjacent to the existing A8 at Bargeddie in North Lanarkshire.