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New Forth crossing plans approved New Forth crossing plans approved
(20 minutes later)
The Scottish Cabinet has backed plans to build a new bridge or a tunnel across the Firth of Forth.The Scottish Cabinet has backed plans to build a new bridge or a tunnel across the Firth of Forth.
Ministers have yet to decide on the route and funding method but the project is expected to cost about £1bn.Ministers have yet to decide on the route and funding method but the project is expected to cost about £1bn.
The cost to replace the existing Forth Road Bridge, which is suffering from corrosion, is almost double that of earlier estimates. The cost to replace the existing Forth Road Bridge, which is suffering from corrosion, is expected to be almost double that of earlier estimates.
Ministers looked at expert assessments and agreed on Wednesday, in principle, to building a new crossing.Ministers looked at expert assessments and agreed on Wednesday, in principle, to building a new crossing.
Fife MSPs and business leaders have been backing plans for a new crossing although some campaigners say it is already too late to prevent major disruption. Transport Minister Tavish Scott, said three plans had been drawn up as possible routes for the new crossing.
The Green Party is not convinced the existing bridge cannot be repaired to avoid having to close it to heavy goods vehicles by 2013. Cabinet is clear, doing nothing is not an option given the importance of this crossing to the Scottish economy and the people of Fife Tavish ScottTransport Minister
Mr Scott said: "The scale of the crossing, which will cost at least £1bn, will be the biggest construction project since devolution.
"Cabinet is clear, doing nothing is not an option given the importance of this crossing to the Scottish economy and the people of Fife.
"Cabinet agreed on Wednesday to take forward the replacement crossing.
"Work will continue to assist a final decision which will be made this summer on where the crossing will be, what it will be, and how much it will cost."
Major disruption
Alastair Andrew, general manager of the Forth Estuary Transport Association (Feta), welcomed the progress made by the Scottish Executive and the commitment to a new crossing.
Mr Andrew said he was looking forward to contributing to the debate on the type of crossing.
Fife MSPs and business leaders have been backing plans for a new crossing, although some campaigners say it is already too late to prevent major disruption.
The Scottish Green Party said it was not convinced that the existing bridge was beyond repair.
Final decisions on the funding method, the route and whether a bridge or tunnel would be best will be taken after the Holyrood elections.Final decisions on the funding method, the route and whether a bridge or tunnel would be best will be taken after the Holyrood elections.
Phil Flanders, of the Road Haulage Association, backed the construction of a new crossing. Phil Flanders, of the Road Haulage Association, has backed the construction of a new crossing.
"Nobody seems to know just how long the bridge will have but we do know that, in the current state, HGVs will be banned from 2013," he said."Nobody seems to know just how long the bridge will have but we do know that, in the current state, HGVs will be banned from 2013," he said.