A third series of ground and marine investigations for the Forth Replacement Crossing is set to begin in late February.

The two consortia seeking to construct the scheme - Forthspan and Forth Crossing Constructors - are allowed to request these supplementary investigations from Transport Scotland as part of the competitive tendering process.

The data produced will support the development of their tender submissions, due towards the end of this year.

To enable the Forth Replacement Crossing to be constructed for 2016 and avoid potential restrictions on the existing bridge, the procurement process is taking place at the same time as the Forth Replacement Crossing Bill progresses through the Scottish Parliament seeking authority for construction of the scheme.

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Transport Scotland's consultant engineers, Jacobs Arup, is currently collating the investigation requests from both consortia and will organise the works. The works are expected to last about eight weeks and further details will be announced shortly once the specification has been agreed.

The contractors undertaking the investigations will be those involved in the previous works during 2008 and 2009.

Ground investigations south of the Forth will be conducted by BAM Ritchies while Vinci Norwest Holst will carry out works associated with the northern connecting roads. Glover Site Investigations Ltd will undertake the marine works.

Paul Mellon, Transport Scotland's geotechnical manager for the Forth Replacement Crossing, said: "These latest marine and ground investigations support the current competitive dialogue phase of the tendering process which allows the two consortia to discuss their proposals with Transport Scotland.

"The timescale for the works is very tight to ensure that the information requested by the consortia is available in time to be taken account of in their tenders.

"Along with our consultants Jacobs Arup, Transport Scotland will continue to liaise with statutory organisations and residents living near to the works, ensuring they remain aware of developments.

"Where access is required, we also remain in close contact with landowners and are grateful for their continued cooperation."

Transport Scotland aim to carry out the works as unobtrusively as possible.

(GK/BMcC)