Diversionary works on an outfall pipe from the South Queensferry Waste Water Treatment Works will begin later this month to support the delivery of the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC).

Diversion of this outfall pipe is necessary to accommodate the planned route of the new crossing across the Forth.

The work will commence on 24 May 2010 and will last for approximately 15 weeks.

The works have been scheduled to ensure construction of the FRC is able to commence in 2011, subject to parliamentary approval of the Forth Crossing Bill, and that the crossing can be opened by 2016 – avoiding potential traffic restrictions on the current Forth Road Bridge.

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The work will take place in the vicinity of Port Edgar Harbour and will be undertaken by Farrans (Construction) Ltd for Scottish Water on behalf of Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government agency responsible for the FRC scheme. It may result in a limited increase in local construction traffic and noise during working hours.

Steven Brown, Transport Scotland’s Roads Team Manager for the FRC, explained: “This work is essential as this outfall pipe lies across the proposed route of the Forth Replacement Crossing. By carrying out these diversionary works now we will help ensure construction can begin next year as planned and that the project is completed on schedule in 2016.

“As the majority of the works will take place on the inter-tidal zone we would anticipate minimal disruption to local communities.”

The planned work will entail relocating the long sea outfall to minimise the risk of it being damaged during the FRC’s construction. A new outfall pipe will be laid, extending 740 metres from the shore and terminating at a depth of around 30 metres, approximately 200 metres east of the of the existing outfall and away from the new crossing’s proposed working area.

(GK)