Government Decision

In December 2007, following detailed submissions of the options available, the Scottish Government confirmed its intention to build a multi-modal, cable-stayed bridge to the west of the existing Forth Road Bridge.

This development is set to be the largest construction project in the country in a generation and will create a new modern landmark structure for Scotland. The decision to build a bridge was based on the following studies:

• Forth Replacement Crossing Study (FRCS) including an appraisal of options following Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance (STAG)
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the short-listed options identified from the FRCS in accordance with EC Directive 2001/42/EC and regulation 16(2) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 (2005 asp 15)
• Appropriate Assessment of the SEA short-listed options. This considered the effects of the options on areas of the Firth of Forth designated for their European nature conservation value, at a strategic level.

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