A major milestone has been reached on the £1.35 billion Queensferry Crossing project.

The final section of bridge deck is set to be lifted into place today, 03 February, marking the completion of the 1.7-mile deck span between Edinburgh and Fife.

With 122 deck sections, each weighs around 750 tonnes. In total, 77,200 tonnes of steel and concrete has been added to complete the deck of the new bridge, with 1,868 metres lifted across this part of the bridge which is 2,633 metres in length in total (including the approach viaducts on the north and south).

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said: "The public have been fascinated by the spectacular progress on the Queensferry Crossing. While there is a lot of work left before opening to traffic in May, completing the deck represents a true landmark moment that we've all been looking forward to.

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"It's the moment Fife and Edinburgh are connected by a third, stunning structure across the wide waters of the Forth. It's a privilege to be here to see it.

"Every time I visit the bridge I'm struck by the expertise and endeavour of the workforce. Today is a hugely important milestone, one everyone involved should be very proud of. I'm sure I speak for many of us when I thank them all for their continued hard work and this fantastic progress."

Michael Martin, Project Director for Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC), added: "This final deck lift is the culmination of a world class team effort stretching all the way back to the very first day of construction in 2011.

"The final "closure" is always one of the most significant milestones in any bridge construction programme.

"We are now focused on completing the huge range of finishing works and bringing the Project to a successful conclusion."

Following this phase, focus will shift to completing the concrete deck of the south approach viaduct and making the full and final closure of the bridge deck from end to end.

The Queensferry Crossing is due to open in May 2017.

Video of the lifting of the first 12 pieces of deck by at floating crane.