Stevenson Raises Forth Replacement Bridge in Parliament

Stewart Stevenson, SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan Coast, has welcomed the replacement of the Forth Road Bridge which is on schedule and under budget.

Following a ministerial statement on the closing of the Forth Road Bridge, Mr Stevenson asked the transport Minister, Derek McKay:

“Does the minister recall my announcing in June 2007 that there would be a new bridge delivered in 2016? Is it a result of a proper and permanent response then, and effective management now that we are on schedule and £1 billion below the budget that I announced at the time?”

The Transport Minister responded, agreeing that building a replacement bridge has proved to be the most substantial contingency plan:

“I think that it is fair to say that, as well as all the other contingency plans that have been put in place as a result of the bridge closure, the decision that was made to build the replacement crossing is a rather substantial contingency plan. The events have vindicated the Government’s decision to build a replacement Forth crossing, which is being delivered on time and under budget.”