The new budget range for the Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC) scheme, to build the 2.7km-long Queensferry Crossing and connecting road network, was between 拢1.45 and 拢1.6 billion until a year ago, when it was brought down to 拢1.4-拢1.45 billion. The latest budget revision puts it in the range of 拢1.35 to 拢1.4 billion.
Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon attributed the reductions to the continued delivery of key construction milestones, successful management of the project and prevailing market conditions.
Contractor for the bridge is Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors, a joint venture of Hochtief, American Bridge, Dragados and Morrison Construction. Its construction contract is valued at.has a 拢790m
Ms Sturgeon said: 鈥淚t is very positive news to be able to announce a further 拢50m worth of savings from Scotland鈥檚 biggest infrastructure project in a generation. We have already seen last year鈥檚 savings from the FRC benefit other projects, allowing work to start early on the dualling of the A9 for example. The progress made since construction started in June 2011 means we have delivered 拢195m worth of savings. The sound management and delivery of the scheme should be warmly welcomed.
鈥淣ot only is the project delivering value for money it is also benefitting the Scottish economy with subcontract and supply orders for Scottish companies and over 1,000 people currently directly employed on site.
鈥淲e recognise there are still challenges to overcome in the years ahead but it is very pleasing to report that with the first sections of deck being placed just last week, the project remains on schedule to be complete by the end of 2016.鈥�
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