Transport Scotland has refused to deny claims that work on the Queensferry Crossing is months behind schedule.
The £1.4 billion project to build a new bridge across the Firth of Forth is scheduled to be completed in December.
However, reports have emerged that work could continue well into next year due to delays caused by adverse weather conditions and the brief closure of the site earlier this year following a fatal industrial accident.
Responding to the claims, a Transport Scotland spokesman said: “As previously stated, the contractor, Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors, is making every effort to open the bridge as soon as possible, despite the challenge that the weather presents.”
Despite the issues, just days before last month’s Scottish Parliament election, SNP ministers insisted the project remained “on schedule”.
Opposition politicians are now calling on transport minister Humza Yousaf to give a statement to Holyrood outlining the new timetable for completion.
North East MSP Alex Johnstone said: “Given the recent closure of the existing bridge, any delay will be a serious concern to commuters.
“The SNP needs to be open with them so everyone has a clear picture of what is going on.”
The construction site shut down for several days in April following the death of John Cousins, 60, who was struck by the boom of a crane.
A project milestone was reached last month as the roadway linked to the north shore for the first time.
The final segment of deck was put in place which means that now the bridge’s north tower is joined with the north approach viaduct into Fife.
