Scotland’s biggest construction project is firmly on course after MSPs overwhelmingly backed plans for a new bridge across the Forth.
With the backing of the full parliament 113 MSPs in favour, three against and two abstentions the £2.3 billion project now goes forward to the next detailed stage of scrutiny at Holyrood.
Both Green MSPs voted against and justice secretary Kenny MacAskill voted against in error. The two who abstained were independent MSP Margo MacDonald and Edinburgh West Lib Dem Margaret Smith.
With the principle of the new crossing now approved by parliament, construction is due to start next year with a completion date of 2016.
During a debate on Wednesday afternoon Green MSP Patrick Harvie urged parliament to consider delaying the decision until the full extent of the damage to the existing bridge is known.
A full assessment of the effect of dehumidification on the wires in the main cables will not be made until 2012.
Mr Harvie argued that it may be possible to repair the bridge and at considerably less cost than building a new bridge.Delay for repairs suggestedHe said, “It is astonishing that a short delay is not being considered.
“Let’s wait until we are certain on the facts.”
The MSP accused the minority SNP Scottish Government of pressing ahead for political purposes with the Holyrood elections looming next year.
He said, “This is not just the most expensive bridge it is the most expensive SNP press release.”
Mr Harvie also said that once the new bridge was open the pressure not to use the existing bridge for general traffic would be irresistible, adding, “We will have an additional bridge, not a replacement bridge.”
However, Fife MSPs argued that there should be no delay to a project vital to the economy of the east of Scotland.
Mid Scotland and Fife Tory MSP Ted Brocklebank said, “I am in no doubt a new bridge is Scotland’s highest construction priority. As a Fifer I say it is absolutely vital.”
Mr Brocklebank said that even if the existing bridge could be repaired, delays during repair work could cost the economy £1.5 billion a year and 3000 jobs in Fife alone.Fife MSPs urge speedHe said, “Obviously it is cheaper and more sensible to build a new bridge.
“We desperately need certainty. Speed is absolutely of the essence now.”
Central Fife MSP Tricia Marwick also impressed upon colleagues the importance of not taking risks.
She said, “As a Fife MSP (a new bridge) is not only vital for Fife but for the economy of Scotland.
“The new Forth crossing is the largest infrastructure project since devolution.”
Lib Dem transport spokesman Alison McInnes summed up the concerns of many MSPs over the cost and detail of the project, particularly in relation to public transport.
She said, “The Scottish Government still doesn’t know how it will afford a new Forth crossing. Transport projects across the country are at risk if the SNP cannot find the right way to pay for the new crossing.
“I remain disappointed that the Scottish Government turned its back on our original ambitions that a new bridge should cater for all kinds of public transport.”
She added, “This was a missed opportunity to get people out of their cars and into public transport.”
On Wednesday Friends of the Earth published figures claiming the new bridge will cost every taxpayer in Scotland £780 the equivalent of £130 in their tax bill every year between now and 2017.
Friends of the Earth Scotland chief executive Duncan McLaren said, “We think it is irresponsible in those circumstances to commit £2 billion to a new bridge when the evidence suggests the old one can be repaired at a fraction of the cost, with no greater disruption to traffic.”