Life span

Another Scottish National Party project has literally come adrift as the new Queensferry Crossing bridge starts to fail a mere three months into its expected 100year career. This failure highlights the problems incurred when politicians want to be seen to deliver on time and on budget but do not understand the underlying difficulties. The pressure on the contractors to deliver this showpiece bridge only two years late meant no further delays could be countenanced. The result is plain to see.

Humza Yousaf, the SNP minister for transport, had to battle his way through the row over the recent long closure of the previous Forth Bridge by promising the new one would be ready on time. He now has a new battle on his hands.

The SNP need a new road sign...halt at Major Road Ahead, Queensferry Excuses Crossing. (DR) GERALD EDWARDS

Broom Road, Glasgow For those of us with construction industry experience Transport Scotland/scottish Government’s view on what constitutes snagging works is a bit of a joke. Any works of a naturewhichdonotenablethe bridge to be used as the brief intended, ie a bridge operating to motorway standards, cannot reasonably be described as snagging but rather as deficiences in either design, construction or completion which should have been effected in advance of opening.

The suggested prospect of reduced speed limits for some ten months more is a serious issue for commerce and the public. If this situation is in any way “normal”, as suggested by the procuring body, then perhaps they might like to cite some specific examples of other bridge projects in the UK.

MIKE DUNSMORE Lansdowne Crescent

Edinburgh Your 30 November headline says snagging on the Queensferry Crossing may go on until September of next year, according to the project director. What this really means is that remedial work required after that point will not count as snagging and so will not be paid for by the contractors.

HAMISH DEWAR Craiglockhart Grove, Edinburgh