118 Scottish firms to work on new Forth crossing

He highlighted the economic impact of the project during a visit to the bridge construction site in North Queensferry, Fife.

Mr Neil said a further 134 sub-contracts are being advertised, bringing likely additional benefit to the industry of the bridge’s five-year construction.

He said: “I am delighted to see that local Scottish firms have already benefited to the tune of £20 million from opportunities created by the Forth replacement crossing project.

“The project is expected to support over 1,200 new jobs during its construction and protect up to 3,000 Scottish jobs that would otherwise be at risk if the current Forth road bridge had to close without a replacement crossing in place.”

He said the bridge is on time and on budget, due to open in 2016.

Just days after the existing bridge was forced to close during high winds, it emerged that the new crossing will be fitted with wind shielding measures.

Mr Neil added: “This type of wind-shielding technology is used on the second Severn crossing which, to date, has never had to close due to wind and our expectation is that if the road network is functioning, the Forth replacement crossing will be open and operational.”

The total estimated cost of the project, including VAT and allowing for inflation, is expected to be between £1.45 billion and £1.6 billion at 2016 prices, according to the Scottish Government.

Labour infrastructure spokesman Richard Baker said: “This much-needed boost for our construction industry is welcome and I hope local firms will continue to benefit from this substantial project.

“It is vital that firms in Scotland benefit from an ambitious capital programme in Scotland, and we hope this continues to be the case in relation to the Forth replacement crossing.

“Our regret is that this is not happening more widely across the country and that more firms are not benefiting in this way. In too many instances major transport and infrastructure projects have been delayed or there is no timetable for their completion.

“Delaying large-scale infrastructure projects, that have potential to unlock thousands of jobs, is that last thing we need when unemployment continues to rise faster here in Scotland than the rest of the UK.”