The Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) is a major infrastructure project for Scotland, designed to safeguard a vital connection in the country's transport network.
Despite significant investment and maintenance over its lifetime, the Forth Road Bridge is showing signs of deterioration and is not suitable as the long-term main crossing of the Firth of Forth. The FRC is designed to safeguard this vital cross-Forth connection in Scotland's transport network.
The Forth Replacement Crossing Study was undertaken during 2006 and 2007 to identify the most favourable option for a replacement crossing. Five potential crossing corridors were identified and appraised for suitability according to a range of factors.
Following this study, the Scottish Government determined that the FRC would be a cable-stayed bridge to the west of the existing Forth Road Bridge.
During 2008 Transport Scotland carried out further work to develop the crossing strategy and concluded that the existing Forth Road Bridge could be retained as a dedicated public transport corridor; with the replacement crossing carrying all other traffic.
In November 2009 Scottish Ministers introduced the Forth Crossing Bill to the Scottish Parliament. The Bill contains the Scottish Government's proposals for the FRC, which the Parliament will now consider before delivering a decision in November 2010. Successful passage of the Bill would allow construction to start in 2011, with the bridge opening to traffic in 2016.
This website is updated regularly to provide the latest project information.
Please view the project contact details if you have an enquiry specific to the Forth Replacement Crossing project.
If you wish to make a more general enquiry, please view the information about Transport Scotland for details.
