"This is an important milestone for the Forth Replacement Crossing,' said transport minister Stewart Stevenson. 'There is now near universal agreement that this project, the biggest Scottish infrastructure project for a generation, is vital to the sustainable growth Scotland's economy.'

The scheme involves a new 2.7km-long cable-stayed bridge close to the existing rail and road bridges across the Firth of Forth. It should be completed by 2016.

Changes to the plan have now been proposed to take account of objections and recommendations. A public transport strategy will now be developed that seeks to ensure integration with public transport and encourage a modal shift from cars to public transport.