Work is continuing to progress on the Queensferry Crossing, Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown has said.

Visiting the site, Mr Brown announced that the three large towers of the structure have now reached half of their final 201m height. From the tower's deck platform, which stands at more than 60m above the water, Mr Brown commented: "I feel lucky to get such a close look at the tower and deck construction and it's here that the true size of this structure and the sheer scale of the operation underway to construct the Queensferry Crossing hit home.

"There are now over 1,000 people working on the project in what is a 24-hour operation out on the water. Visiting in the middle of winter reminds us only too well of the harsh and challenging conditions those building the bridge will continue to face before the bridge opens in late 2016.

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"The entire scheme has been widely praised as a shining example of good, efficient project management and I am very pleased to report the three main towers now stand over 105 metres – meaning they are over half way to their final height of 210 metres. Not only that, but 10% of the total bridge deck is now in place either side of the towers."

He continued: "It's not just out in the Forth where excellent progress is being made. Work is now underway to construct the north approach viaduct, where the final bridge will land on the Fife side. Assembly of the southern viaduct deck was completed last year and it will be launched into its final position later this year.

"Constructing and upgrading the connecting roads are a huge job in their own right. In fact there are 11 road bridges being built as part of the new approach road and junction on the south side and the significantly upgraded Ferrytoll junction to the north.

"With all of this work underway on a number of fronts I am very pleased to say that the project continues on schedule and under budget."

(JP/CD)