Queensferry Crossing faces further delay

Queensferry Crossing - credit Dave Fiddes

The opening of the Scottish Government's new bridge over the Firth of Forth is to be delayed, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed.

Speaking to MSPs, Brown said contractors had blamed high winds for the delay to the completion of the Queensferry Crossing.

The bridge was originally due to open in December but the date had been put back till May. The new expected opening date will be clarified in today's Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee meeting.

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On the adverse weather, Brown said: "It has taken 65 days to take down one of the cranes—it would normally have taken 15 days—because of the consistently high winds. As soon as the wind speed goes above 25mph, it is not possible to work on the cranes, and that has contributed to the delay.

"When I have the detailed information from Transport Scotland in front of me, I will prepare a full report that I will provide to the Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee in the morning. However, this has been a seven-year project that is about £0.25 billion below budget, and that will not change."