A major new bridge over the Firth of Forth will be named the Queensferry Crossing, after securing more than a third of votes in a public ballot.
First Minister Alex Salmond revealed the outcome of the ‘Name the Bridge’ public vote which attracted around 7,600 unique suggestions and more than 37,000 votes during a seven-month process to find a permanent name for the new Forth replacement road crossing.
Mr Salmond was viewing construction progress of what he described as a “bridge to the future” on the site of the southern landing point by South Queensferry on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The project is on time and on budget, being due for completion by the end of 2016 and within a total estimated cost range of £1.45-to-£1.6 billion – a substantial reduction on the previous estimate of £1.7-to-£2.3 billion.
The project will employ up to 1,200 people directly in addition to the immediate boost to the local economy during construction. Community benefit clauses introduced by the Scottish Government mean that, by the end of January the project had generated some 160 places for vocational and professional body training and the long-term unemployed. By the end of 2012, a total of 334 Scottish firms had been directly awarded subcontracts or supply orders.
The First Minister said: “The Forth replacement crossing is the country’s biggest and most significant transport infrastructure project for decades and I’m delighted that the naming process has enabled so many thousands of people to get involved and rightly feel a sense of ownership for a bridge that will serve Scotland and its economy for many years to come.
“With some 7,600 unique name suggestions received and more than 35,000 votes cast, it is clear that the new crossing has captured people’s imagination. It was Queen Margaret in the 11th Century who introduced a ferry to carry pilgrims across the Forth, giving the communities on either side of the Firth their name. The public’s choice of ‘Queensferry Crossing’ reflects the area’s rich history and the continuing link between the two communities on the estuary’s north and south banks.
“This project is providing many opportunities for jobs and investment in Scotland and, having visited the works and spoken with those building the Queensferry Crossing and connecting roads, I’ve been impressed by the dedication and expertise of those involved in such a major feat of civil engineering in often challenging weather conditions.
“This part of Scotland is already an internationally-renowned location with two bridges representing the cutting edge of engineering in the 19th and 20th centuries respectively. The Queensferry Crossing is a bridge to the future; when complete in 2016, it will take its place alongside the other iconic bridges over the Forth estuary, while safeguarding and improving a vital connection in the country’s transport network and playing a key role in Scotland’s economic success.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
