This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/6348719.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Ministers to back Forth crossing Ministers to back Forth crossing
(about 13 hours later)
The Scottish cabinet is expected to back plans for a new Forth crossing within the next fortnight. The Scottish cabinet is expected to back plans within the next fortnight for a new Forth crossing.
Ministers are to be briefed on the condition of the existing bridge, thought to be in need of more intensive maintenance than previously thought. Ministers are to be briefed on the condition of the existing road bridge, thought to be in need of more intensive maintenance than previously thought.
Engineering assessments and detailed reports will be considered before a decision is taken on whether to build a new bridge or construct a tunnel.Engineering assessments and detailed reports will be considered before a decision is taken on whether to build a new bridge or construct a tunnel.
Decisions are expected within the next two weeks, possibly by Wednesday.Decisions are expected within the next two weeks, possibly by Wednesday.
Last November First Minister Jack McConnell confirmed that Labour was committed to the construction of the new crossing.Last November First Minister Jack McConnell confirmed that Labour was committed to the construction of the new crossing.
Approved in principleApproved in principle
Further work will be needed before the executive chooses the type of bridge or tunnel it wants, the route it will take and the means of funding the work.Further work will be needed before the executive chooses the type of bridge or tunnel it wants, the route it will take and the means of funding the work.
But the Cabinet will be asked to approve plans for a replacement crossing in principle, as well as a broad timetable for its construction.But the Cabinet will be asked to approve plans for a replacement crossing in principle, as well as a broad timetable for its construction.
Corrosion is a major problem with the present road bridge and its replacement has been the subject of fierce debate.Corrosion is a major problem with the present road bridge and its replacement has been the subject of fierce debate.
The new crossing is expected to be in place before the existing road bridge closes to traffic in 2013.The new crossing is expected to be in place before the existing road bridge closes to traffic in 2013.
On Thursday a parliamentary debate on scrapping tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges ended in stalemate after the parliament failed to agree a position.On Thursday a parliamentary debate on scrapping tolls on the Forth and Tay road bridges ended in stalemate after the parliament failed to agree a position.
Both an SNP motion calling for the abolition of the tolls, and an executive one calling for their retention, were defeated.Both an SNP motion calling for the abolition of the tolls, and an executive one calling for their retention, were defeated.
John McGoldrick, from the National Alliance Against Tolls, said: "The ministers who say that they want a new Forth crossing are the same people who have fought to keep tolls on both the Forth and Tay.
"The assumption must be that this new crossing would also be tolled.
"We have calculated that the return tolls for cars would be about £7.
"The ministers will be the only ones who will be able to afford to use their new crossing."