The new bridge over the Firth of Forth will be officially sanctioned by MSPs in a vote today.
Legislation will pass its final hurdle at the Scottish Parliament with just two weeks to go before a competition ends to find a name for the bridge.
More than 27,000 people have so far voted on the five choices for the bridge, which could be called the Caledonia Bridge, Firth of Forth Crossing, St Margaret’s Crossing, Queensferry Crossing or Saltire Crossing.
Today’s vote at Holyrood on the legal framework will pave the way for technical issues, such as the management and maintenance of the new crossing and the existing road bridge.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_oqcbCgAZws%3Frel%3D0
It will dissolve the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, transferring its functions and assets to the Scottish Government. All employees will transfer to the company appointed to operate the bridge.
The new crossing is expected to be completed in 2016.
To find a name, the Scottish Government launched a public consultation. More than 7,000 ideas were submitted before being whittled down to the five finalists.
Transport minister Keith Brown said: “Other countries have been showing an interest in the way we are engaging the people of Scotland in the search for a name for the Forth replacement crossing.
“The response from the public has been tremendous, with over 27,000 people having voted so far.”