Now that the new bridge which is to be built in the Firth of Forth has a name, it seems only fair to talk about it more. Finance Secretary John Swinney has today revealed that the overall cost of the Queensferry Crossing is set to be £145 million lower than previous estimates.
The new budget range for the Forth Replacement Crossing is £1.4 billion to £1.45 billion down from the previous range of £1.45 billion to £1.6 billion.
The lower cost is said to be a result of successful management of the project and the delivery of key milestones. Confirming the new cost range ahead of setting out the Budget to the Scottish Parliament John Swinney said:-“It is very positive news for Scotland to be able to announce that the Scottish Government is further reducing the budget range for the Forth Replacement Crossing project to £1.4 billion to £1.45 billion.
“Over the last few years we have taken a deliberately Scottish approach to investing in infrastructure. We are supporting an investment led recovery in distinct contrast to the austerity agenda of the UK Government.
“Our approach has benefitted the Scottish economy which is now stronger than that of the UK. 90% of supply orders and nearly 60% of sub contracts have been awarded to 365 Scottish firms and currently around 874 people are currently employed on site.
“While there is no room for complacency, these latest figures also show that Scotland’s biggest infrastructure project in a generation is being well managed. I commend all those involved for their hard work in this success so far, as construction continues on time and under budget.
“We are now two years into the project and progress so far means that £145 million worth of savings have been identified on the project since construction started in June 2011.
“This is further good news for Scotland and is testament to the efficient management and effective delivery of the project by Transport Scotland and its partners at the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors consortium.”
There is going to be a big celebration next year when the Forth Road Bridge is 50 years old. Read more here.
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