Transport Scotland has unveiled the shortlist for its Forth Bridges Operating Contract.

Three organisations have pre-qualified for the next stage and include:

• Amey LG Lt
• Ringway-Jacobs-Cofiroute (a consortia of Cofiroute SA, Jacobs UK Ltd and Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd)
• Scotland TranServ (a consortia of Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd and Mouchel Limited).

The next stage of the process involves a competitive dialogue process to seek the best value for money and high quality delivery. The contract is expected to run for five years, with the potential to extend for another five years.

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The successful bidder will be announced in November 2014.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Forth Bridges Operating Company is due to commence work in June 2015. This stage is an important step in the process to award the right to operate this prestigious contract worth between £40 million to £60 million over five years.

"The Forth Bridges are a vital part of the connectivity of the Trunk Road Network, and in ensuring ongoing sustainable economic growth in Scotland. The contract includes protection of terms and conditions for all existing staff, and will seek to ensure opportunities for apprenticeships in the local community."

The Forth Bridges Operating Contract (FBOC) will provide an operating company responsible for inspecting and maintaining both the Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing and the adjacent road network.

(JP/MH)