Forth Crossing project '˜was good value for money'

A new report says Transport Scotland's management of the Forth Replacement Crossing delivered value for money - but a clearer plan is needed to measure wider benefits.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Aug 2018, 12:46 BST
Updated 5th Aug 2018, 12:53 BST
Flashback to early 2017, when the last key section of the new bridge was hoisted into place.Flashback to early 2017, when the last key section of the new bridge was hoisted into place.
Flashback to early 2017, when the last key section of the new bridge was hoisted into place.

Auditor General Caroline Gardner found the £1.34bn infrastructure scheme – which cost at least £110m less than expected - was managed effectively.

Her report praises Transport Scotland’s budgeting, governance, quality assurance and risk management - as well as the competitive tendering which helped deliver the project under budget.

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A key factor behind the project’s success was that the delivery team had the right mix of skills and experience.

They are said to have demonstrated strong, consistent leadership, and communicated well with contractors and stakeholder groups.

The government identified a clear need for the bridge, and demonstrated that the preferred option - a cable-stayed bridge - had several advantages over other options and designs.

Ms Gardner said: “There is much the public sector can learn from the way Transport Scotland managed the project and it’s important that the good practice is shared more widely.

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“Transport Scotland now needs to produce a clearer plan about how it will measure the success of the project’s wider benefits, including its contribution to economic growth and improved public transport links.”