Weather delays Forth crossing’s opening again

THE new Queensferry Crossing will not open until between mid-July and the end of August.

The latest delay has been caused by poor weather, according to Economy Secretary Keith Brown.

The £1.35billion bridge across the Forth was due to open last December but adverse weather had already delayed the completion date to the end of May.

Mr Brown told Holyrood’s rural economy and connectivity committee that contractors were now ‘advising that the opening to traffic date is more likely to be between mid-July and the end of August’. He added: ‘It is very important to stress that the costs associated with the over-run will be fully covered by the contractor.’

Pressed on the new completion date, Mr Brown stressed ‘weather is the master and that remains the case’.

David Climie, project director at Transport Scotland, said that although the winter had not been severe, wind speeds had been a key issue.