The design for the Forth Replacement Crossing will be a world 'first' and is being worked on by the same firm responsible for the stunning 'Bird's Nest' stadium and Water Cube aquatics centre at last year's Beijing Olympics.

Engineering firm Arup contracted by Transport Scotland to help develop the project designed both of the eye-catching structures for the Beijing Olympics - which of course brought home a record medal haul for Team GB. Arup were also responsible for the world's second longest spanning cable-stayed bridge, Stonecutter's Bridge in Hong Kong.

Closer to home, Jacobs the other half of the joint venture, were responsible for the design of the recently opened Clackmannanshire Bridge which was delivered on time and to budget.

The elegant new bridge design is expected to have the longest central spans in the world for a multi-span cable-stayed bridge. To address this unique challenge, it will also be the only long span cable-stay bridge in the world to feature central crossed cables. These provide enhanced stiffness to the bridge structure, minimising the size of the central tower and creating a slim, elegant appearance. The cables will run along the centre of the bridge.

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People in Edinburgh, Fife and the Lothians now have the chance to look at designs in more detail as the doors open at public exhibitions setting out the proposals for the Forth Replacement Crossing today.

Transport Scotland is taking the Forth Replacement Crossing exhibition to 12 different venues over two weeks to allow members of the public to view the plans for the crossing.

Engineers and specialists from Transport Scotland and its consultants Jacobs Arup will be on hand explain the work undertaken during 2008 to develop the strategy for the new crossing over the Forth and answer questions.

This follows the ministerial announcement in December which confirmed that the Forth Replacement Crossing strategy will make use of the existing Forth Road Bridge as a dedicated public transport corridor. The project is to be progressed via a Parliamentary Bill to be introduced towards the end of 2009.

Interim Project Director for the Forth Replacement Crossing John Howison said:

"This is an exciting project and we and our world class consultants are delighted to be working on it to produce a lasting visual landmark for the Forth."

(GK/JM)