The new Forth crossing could deliver 3000 jobs after SNP plans for a new bridge were approved by Parliament.

 The new bridge will carry road traffic while the existing bridge becomes a dedicated public transport crossing.  It is estimated to create 3000 new jobs.

Tricia Marwick MSP for Central Fife who has campaigned for a new crossing said:

“The importance of a new Forth crossing for Fife cannot be emphasised enough.  The SNP has consistently backed this project and I am pleased other parties agreed with us today.

“As a Fife MSP, I can say it is not only vital for Fife, but the whole east coast of Scotland. This new crossing is a once-in-a-lifetime

infrastructure project that will deliver over 3000 jobs and secure £1.3 billion in economic turnover for Fife, Lothians and Scotland.

“Any potential delays would have meant businesses seeking to relocate to Fife would have abandoned the Kingdom completely so I am pleased to see the Parliament back the legislation that is needed to begin construction.

“The SNP fulfilled our commitment to remove tolls from the bridge and we are now delivering on the new bridge that the whole of Scotland needs."

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: 

"The Forth Road Crossing project is absolutely vital for the future growth of Scotland's economy and will also provide an immediate boost to the construction industry and associated sub contractors.  I am delighted it received strong cross-party endorsement today. 

"This is a huge step for a huge infrastructure project, the biggest that Scotland has seen for a generation.  In approving the Forth Crossing Bill the Scottish Parliament has helped safeguard a strategically vital link in the transport network that will protect thousands of jobs and secure billions of pounds worth of revenue.

"The project has made impressive progress since it was first announced in 2007.  It has gone through planning, design development, consultation and parliamentary scrutiny in under four years and is on course to complete procurement and begin construction in 2011.  This is an exceptional achievement and establishes a strong foundation for delivering the new crossing on schedule and within budget in 2016.