ºÚ¶´ÉçÇø

A multinational consortium has been chosen as the preferred bidder to construct the Forth Replacement Crossing – the largest Scottish infrastructure project for a generation.

The Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors consortium – which consists of Dragados, Hochtief, American Bridge International and Morrison – was chosen ahead of rival consortium Forthspan – comprising Balfour Beatty, Bam Nuttall, Morgan Sindall and MT Hojgaard.

Initially estimated to cost between £0.9bn and £1.2bn, FCBC’s successful bid for the design and build project valued the contract at £790m.

The development includes a 1.7-mile bridge, 2.5 miles of approach roads and upgrades for existing roads and the junctions with the M9 and M90.

Fears had been mounting that corrosion of the present Forth road bridge could force the imposition of vehicle bans. In December, MSPs voted 108 to three in favour of the project.

John Swinney, Scottish Finance Secretary, said:

“The Forth Replacement Crossing project will be essential in protecting and promoting Scotland’s sustainable economic growth, safeguarding a vital link in the country’s transport infrastructure, protecting thousands of jobs and securing over a billion pounds in economic revenue.

“I was therefore delighted to inform Parliament this morning that the tender period for the FRC Principal Contract has now concluded.

“The successful FCBC consortium includes world class bridge building and civil engineering firms with strong records of successfully delivering similar projects throughout the world.