Forth crossing construction reaches milestone

The new bridge should be completed in 2016. Picture: Ian Georgeson

THE new Queensferry Crossing has reached a significant milestone, transport chiefs have said.

All three of its towers have now reached deck level as construction continues at the bridge over the River Forth.

Transport Scotland said the bridge is being built on time and under its budget of £1.4-£1.45 billion, down from £1.45-£1.60 billion in 2011.

Transport Minister Keith Brown visited the Queensferry Crossing today to see the progress that has been made.

He said: “This time last year the view across the Forth looked a lot different. Work on the foundations was finishing last summer and the beginnings of the towers themselves started under the water line.

“The progress being made by the men and women building the new bridge is truly impressive. All three of the towers are now at or past the level of the bridge deck. Initial temporary supports and first bridge deck sections are due to be fitted to the centre tower’s complex and reinforced ‘power joint’ in the autumn, while work on all three towers continues until they reach their full 210 metre height next summer.

“We can also see the v-shaped support piers for the south approach viaduct rising and being completed as the months go past. As each one is erected, the viaduct is then launched further out from the shoreline across the pier. The viaduct has already been launched more than half of its final length.

“Meanwhile on the south road network, the new Queensferry junction is nearly complete and expected to be open shortly. Overall the project remains on schedule and under budget.”

By the end of this year, assembly equipment will be moved from the south approach viaduct area to the north to start assembly of the shorter north approach viaduct steelwork. This is expected to be launched into position later in 2015.

The bridge is expected to be completed by 2016.