Three firms shortlisted to operate Forth crossings

Three companies are on the shortlist to run the Forth Road Bridge and Queensferry Crossing.

Amey LG Ltd, Ringway-Jacobs-Cofiroute and Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering and Mouchel consortium Scotland TranServ have reached the next stage of the tendering process for the Forth bridges operating contract, said to be worth between £40 and £60 million over five years.

The firm awarded the contract will be responsible for inspecting and maintaining the Forth Road Bridge and the new crossing plus the adjacent road network.

It would succeed the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, which maintains the Forth Road Bridge and employs 70 staff.

Staff numbers are expected to rise by about 20 once the new crossing opens at the end of 2016.

The successful bidder is expected to be announced next November.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: “The Forth bridges are a vital part of the connectivity of the trunk road network, and in ensuring sustainable economic growth in Scotland.

“The contract includes protection of terms and conditions for all existing staff and will seek to ensure opportunities for apprenticeships.”