Figure 1 : The five potential crossing corridors
Comparisons were made between options for tunnel and bridge . After careful and detailed analyses and assessment , a cable-stayed bridge in corridor D , slightly west of the Forth Road Bridge , was recommended as the preferred scheme as it was significantly cheaper than tunnel options . It could be delivered quicker , had fewer risks associated with construction and demonstrated the best value for money . Of the possible two types of bridges ( cable-stayed and suspension ), the suspension bridge would require complex foundations on the landfalls – the cable-stayed did not .
In January 2008 , Transport Scotland , by way of a competitive tendering exercise , procured the services of the Jacobs Arup JV to assist with the management and delivery of the Forth Replacement Crossing project .
The scope of the commission included the development and assessment of the project proposals , concept and specimen design of the bridge , preparation of contract documents , assistance in the procurement and authorisation of the project and subsequent monitoring of construction .
The project is being managed by an integrated team of Transport Scotland and Jacobs Arup staff .
At this stage , the following were considered :
- Future use of the Forth Road Bridge : Following a second cable investigation , an improved prognosis for the rate of cable deterioration was given . Together with removal of general traffic from the bridge it provided some hope that a functional use for the bridge might be possible .
- The functional requirements of the Forth replacement crossing could therefore be significantly reduced .
- Making the best use of existing infrastructure where possible .
- Incorporation of an intelligent transport system : it is to be the first such application in Scotland .
1 / 2017