The most significant Scottish transport infrastructure project for a generation has reached a historic stage as it goes forward for scrutiny by the Scottish parliament.

The introduction of the Forth Crossing Bill, which seeks authority to implement and build the new Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC), marks the start of a period where individuals and other parties who may be affected can review full details of the scheme and have the opportunity, should they wish, to lodge objections.

Significant doubts remain over the future viability of the existing Forth Road Bridge, and the £1.7bn - £2.3bn (at 2016 prices) project is aimed at maintaining and improving the vital economic transport corridor across the Forth.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson, said: "Given the real uncertainty of the future viability of the current Forth Road Bridge, Scotland simply cannot afford any delay to the FRC.

"That is why we are taking the earliest possible action to prevent serious disruption to cross-Forth traffic arising from maintenance and repair works on the Forth Road Bridge

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"The economic importance of this scheme to future generations demands we get this project right and we welcome and look forward to the close scrutiny of parliament."

The Forth Replacement Crossing project seeks to construct a motorway-standard two lane carriageway with hard shoulders, spanning approximately 2.7km in length, comprising a cable-stayed bridge with three "mono-towers", two central spans of approximately 650 metres each and approach viaducts, as well as trunk road connections north and south of the bridge.

The bridge and connecting roads will also include ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems) technology to manage and smooth traffic flow via variable speed limits. Along with improved junctions and wind shielding, the Forth Replacement Crossing will significantly improve the reliability of the cross-Forth travel for vehicles.

The scheme, announced to parliament in December 2008, will utilise the existing Forth Road Bridge to carry public transport, motor cycles less than 50cc, pedestrians and cyclists. This has resulted in an estimated saving of around £1.7bn on the original estimated cost of the scheme and provides a sustainable increase in capacity to meet future demand.

The procurement process for identifying the contractor who will build the crossing is already under way and Transport Scotland expects to announce the organisations selected to tender for the main works later this month. The construction contract is expected to be awarded in Spring 2011, with work commencing later that year.

Transport Scotland will be holding a series of public exhibitions starting tomorrow, featuring full information on the Parliamentary Bill and supporting environmental documentation.

(GK/KMcA)