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| Version 3 | Version 4 |
|---|---|
| New bridge to be built over Forth | New bridge to be built over Forth |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| A new bridge is to be built across the Firth of Forth, just west of the existing suspension road crossing. | A new bridge is to be built across the Firth of Forth, just west of the existing suspension road crossing. |
| The cable stayed-style bridge is due to open in about 2016 and will cost between £3.2bn and £4.2bn. | |
| Finance Secretary John Swinney told parliament that concerns over the future viability of the existing bridge meant the government had to act now. | Finance Secretary John Swinney told parliament that concerns over the future viability of the existing bridge meant the government had to act now. |
| Ruling out a tunnel, he said the chosen option would deliver the crossing in the quickest possible timescale. | Ruling out a tunnel, he said the chosen option would deliver the crossing in the quickest possible timescale. |
| Mr Swinney told MSPs that the new bridge would be the "largest construction project in a generation in Scotland". | Mr Swinney told MSPs that the new bridge would be the "largest construction project in a generation in Scotland". |
| On the face of it, I think the government is doing the right thing Des McNultyScottish Labour | |
| He went on: "It will be an iconic structure. It will maintain a fundamental link across the River Forth. It will create a new and better connection to our transport infrastructure in west and east central Scotland. | He went on: "It will be an iconic structure. It will maintain a fundamental link across the River Forth. It will create a new and better connection to our transport infrastructure in west and east central Scotland. |
| "And it will be delivered through effective and comprehensive care for our natural environment." | |
| Mr Swinney said the effects of traffic and weather had taken their toll on the existing road crossing. | Mr Swinney said the effects of traffic and weather had taken their toll on the existing road crossing. |
| He quoted concerns from the bridge authority that it may have to close to all vehicles by 2019. | He quoted concerns from the bridge authority that it may have to close to all vehicles by 2019. |
| 'Business support' | |
| The new bridge, which will run to a point west of South Queensferry, will consist of a two-lane carriageway with hard shoulders and pedestrian and cycle access. | The new bridge, which will run to a point west of South Queensferry, will consist of a two-lane carriageway with hard shoulders and pedestrian and cycle access. |
| It will also allow for the introduction of a light rail or guided bus system. | It will also allow for the introduction of a light rail or guided bus system. |
| The bridge will consist of three pylons or towers, with cables supporting the decks of the structure. | |
| The five-and-a-half year construction project is expected to get under way in 2011, with a competition to find a constructor due to be launched the year before. | The five-and-a-half year construction project is expected to get under way in 2011, with a competition to find a constructor due to be launched the year before. |
| Mr Swinney said: "A cable stay bridge has lower overall risk and can be used by all types of traffic, including freight, pedestrians and cyclists and is considerably cheaper to deliver. | Mr Swinney said: "A cable stay bridge has lower overall risk and can be used by all types of traffic, including freight, pedestrians and cyclists and is considerably cheaper to deliver. |
| The current Forth crossing is deteriorating | |
| "We are supporting commuters, supporting business and protecting the environment. This crossing will ensure that we continue to provide an effective transport network and achieve that goal." | "We are supporting commuters, supporting business and protecting the environment. This crossing will ensure that we continue to provide an effective transport network and achieve that goal." |
| Labour's Des McNulty said they had to look more carefully at the information set out by the government, but added: "On the face of it, I think the government is doing the right thing." | |
| Quoting the SNP government's position that it would not use PFI for major projects, Tory transport spokesman Alex Johnstone said: "I and many in this chamber am becoming impatient to see the details of the proposed scheme that will come forward." | |
| Mr Swinney said information on the alternative "Scottish Futures Trust" was "imminent". | |
| The Liberal Democrats' Alison McInnes, expressed similar concerns, but added: "The fastest and more reliable construction method must be the right solution in this case." | |
| However, WWF Scotland's acting director, Dr Dan Barlow, said: "With work still under way to review the options for repairing the existing bridge, the government's decision to proceed with developing proposals for a new Forth road bridge is premature." |