NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 2 February 2010 FORTH CROSSING PROGRESS EXAMINED IN PARLIAMENT Mid-Scotland and Fife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser has stressed the importance of a new Forth Road Bridge for the economies of Fife, Perthshire and Angus on the same day that the plans for the new bridge will be scrutinised by the Scottish Parliament’s Transport Committee. Members of the Transport Committee will question project managers for the Forth Replacement Crossing. The current plans from Transport Scotland involve a new £2.3bn bridge, with the existing crossing being designated for public transport only. Murdo Fraser MSP said: “The future of the new Forth Crossing is absolutely vital to individuals and businesses in Fife, Perthshire and Angus and indeed for everyone in the East of Scotland. It is essential to the economy of the whole country that we secure a new crossing for the Forth. The real danger is that the existing Forth Road Bridge, unable as it is to cope with the weight of traffic, might have to close to HGVs and thereafter to vehicles altogether, with devastating consequences. “As this is a massive project, it is right that the Transport Committee scrutinise the project managers of the new Forth Crossing. There must be no political posturing on this issue as it is too important for Dunfermline, Rosyth and the rest of Fife as well as for Angus and Perthshire to have any delay.” ENDS   back to top of page