The contract is expected to be priced at between US$1.48 billion and US$1.98 billion. It includes detailed design and construction of the main cable-stayed crossing and road connections. The 2.7km crossing will include two central spans of approximately 650m each.
The project will be funded directly by the Scottish Government from existing capital projects. "Against the backdrop of the global economic downturn, we are driving forward the largest transport investment programme Scotland has ever seen with a number of vital projects, of which the FRC is the biggest," said transport minister Stewart Stevenson. "I am looking to the construction industry to be enthusiastic about the chance to bid to build a project which is not only vital for the economy and communities of Scotland but also one which will join the existing two iconic Forth bridges as part of an internationally recognised landmark."
Tender documents are due to be issued to selected bidders by the end of 2009 with the contract awarded in spring 2011. The bridge is due to open to traffic in 2016.
