Transport Scotland 'to commission archeological study on new Forth Crossing site'

Date: 1/4/2010

Transport Scotland has confirmed that it is to commission an archeological study into the area where construction of the new Forth Crossing is to be built.

It is hoped that by starting the archeological works this summer, the study will be complete in time for the construction of the new crossing to begin on schedule in 2011, ensuring that the project does not meet with delays.

Several sites of potential archeological interest have been identified.
Initially, studies will take place on land owned by Scottish Ministers at St Margaret's Hope and Echline Fields.

Access to other sites will be discussed with individual landowners.

Steven Brown, Transport Scotland's roads team manager for the Forth Replacement Crossing, explained: "The archaeological work involves scraping away topsoil, trench excavation of the subsoil and then inspecting the area.

"Further investigations may take place if historical features are identified."

The new Forth Bridge crossing is due to be opened by 2016, subject to parliamentary approval of the Forth Crossing Bill.

The proposed bridge would carry two general lanes of traffic in each direction and would feature hard shoulders to help reduce the risk of congestion from breakdowns, incidents and maintenance work, Transport Scotland notes.