Work begins on Replacement Forth Crossing

Work on the design of the replacement Forth Crossing will enter the next important phase this month as land searches, environmental surveys and ground investigations get under way in the vicinity of the proposed crossing.

Teams of ecologists, geologists and engineers will shortly begin a series of studies in the corridor of the crossing to inform decisions on the design and alignment of the bridge and the connecting road network.

From tomorrow (Wednesday 13 February), representatives from Arup-Jacobs will be conducting land searches on behalf of Transport Scotland in the corridor to establish land ownership and boundaries with affected landowners.

Later this month environmental surveys will get under way and ground investigation work is due to begin in March.

This marks a significant step towards the detailed design of the crossing and follows the decision by Scottish Ministers in December 2007 to build a multi-modal cable stay bridge across the Forth.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

“It is important we act quickly to protect the crucial economic link of cross-Forth travel by progressing this replacement crossing given the uncertain future facing the existing bridge. A modern, efficient transport network is vital to a thriving, prosperous economy.

“I am delighted to see that Transport Scotland are wasting no time in initiating the next phase of the project.

“The surveys and investigations taking place over the coming months will provide Transport Scotland with information about the landscape and ground conditions in the area and allow them to design the crossing on the most suitable alignment within the identified corridor, minimising impacts on the environment, landowners and local communities.

“Every effort will be made by Transport Scotland to meet the needs of affected landowners during this process and cooperation with the works is very much appreciated.”

These investigations represent one of the first major packages of work required to progress the design of the crossing, following the appointment of the joint venture consultants led by Arup-Jacobs in January this year.

A competitive tendering process for the provision of specialist ground investigation and marine investigation services is currently under way and Transport Scotland expects to confirm the appointment of contractors shortly to allow investigations to begin in Spring 2008.

For further information see www.forthreplacementcrossing.info

An information leaflet for landowners Environmental Surveys and Ground Investigations is now available.