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Bridge replacement wins backing Bridge replacement wins backing
(10 minutes later)
A new road crossing is required over the Firth of Forth, according to a report received by ministers. A new road crossing is required over the Firth of Forth, according to an intrim report received by ministers.
The study was ordered amid continuing concern about the level of corrosion in cables on the current suspension bridge. Although the final report into the state of the bridge is due next summer, Transport Minister Tavish Scott has been briefed on preliminary findings.
A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "Transport Minister Tavish Scott was briefed on the emerging findings of work he initiated on the crossing. The study was ordered amid continuing concern about the level of corrosion in cables on the current bridge.
"These findings indicated a replacement crossing is required." A Scottish Executive spokesman said: "These findings indicated a replacement crossing is required."
The spokesman added: "The first minister has therefore asked for a report to be brought to cabinet.The spokesman added: "The first minister has therefore asked for a report to be brought to cabinet.
Reduce congestionReduce congestion
"This report will cover the new information on options for a replacement crossing, an up-to-date technical assessment on the existing Forth Road Bridge and the further work on financing a replacement crossing.""This report will cover the new information on options for a replacement crossing, an up-to-date technical assessment on the existing Forth Road Bridge and the further work on financing a replacement crossing."
In November last year a full independent assessment of the state of cables on the Forth Road Bridge was commissioned after initial inspections by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) found some corroded cables on the bridge.In November last year a full independent assessment of the state of cables on the Forth Road Bridge was commissioned after initial inspections by the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (Feta) found some corroded cables on the bridge.
It said that unless action was taken the 42-year-old bridge could close to heavy goods vehicles by 2013.It said that unless action was taken the 42-year-old bridge could close to heavy goods vehicles by 2013.
Campaigners have said a new road crossing would help reduce congestion and stimulate the local economy.Campaigners have said a new road crossing would help reduce congestion and stimulate the local economy.