The overall cost for Scotland's Queensferry Crossing project will cost £50m less than its original projected budget, it has been announced.

In a statement by deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the new budget range for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) scheme, to build the Queensferry Crossing and connecting road network, has fallen from between £1.4bn and £1.45bn, to a new budget range of between £1.35bn and £1.4bn.

In a statement, deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the reductions are down to the continued delivery of key construction milestones and favourable market conditions.

-- Advertisement --

She added: "It is a very positive news to be able to announce a further £50 million worth of savings from Scotland's biggest infrastructure project in a generation.

"We have already seen last year's savings from the FRC benefit other projects, allowing work to start early on the dualling of the A9 for example.

"The progress made since construction started in June 2011 means we have delivered £195 million worth of savings. The sound management and delivery of the scheme should be warmly welcomed."

Ms Sturgeon continued: "Not only is the project delivering value for money it is also benefitting the Scottish economy with subcontract and supply orders for Scottish companies and over 1,000 people currently directly employed on site.

"We recognise there are still challenges to overcome in the years ahead but it is very pleasing to report that with the first sections of deck being placed just last week, the project remains on schedule to be complete by the end of 2016."

(JP/IT)