Strategy

Transport Scotland has developed a managed crossing strategy for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) which takes into account the existing Forth Road Bridge (FRB). This will allow the FRB to become a dedicated public transport corridor carrying public transport, pedestrians and cyclists. In the future it could be adapted to carry a Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system, such as a tram.

Retaining limited use of the FRB in this way extends its operational life by reducing the weight of traffic on it and has delivered a saving of around £1.7 billion on the scheme's original estimated cost of £3.2 to £4.2 billion. The total cost of the FRC project is now estimated to be between £1.7 and £2.3 billion. The replacement bridge will complement the existing bridges and setting. It will carry cars and, importantly, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs).

The strategy for the connecting road network combines the use of state-of-the-art traffic management technology, with significant junction improvements and new motorway standard roads.

The strategy will deliver more reliable journeys, improved connections to the trunk road network and a dedicated public transport corridor.

The project remains on schedule and, subject to parliamentary approval, is due to start construction in 2011 and open in 2016.

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