Ground and marine investigations in the Forth estuary and surrounding area are on track for completion in August.
The works, which provide vital information about the underlying ground conditions on the approaches to the bridge and the seabed, will inform decisions about the location and type of bridge foundations used in the crossing and the route of the connecting road network.
Ground investigation specialists Norwest Holst and Ritchies began work on the northern and southern approaches in March and are scheduled for completion by the end of August. Their work has extended from the A90 at Halbeath in the north to the M9 in the south.
In the Firth of Forth itself, a team of up to 25 specialists from Glover Site Investigations began marine investigations at the end of May and are on schedule to complete their works in August as well. Working from two jack-up rigs the teams have extracted rock samples from various locations on the seabed, including the proposed sites of the southern and northern bridge towers and approach piers and from Beamer Rock - the proposed site of the central tower.
Transport Scotland’s project manager for the Forth Replacement Crossing, Lawrence Shackman, said:
“A significant amount of work has taken place in recent months to glean vital information which will feed into the design of the bridge and its approach roads.
“The findings of all of these investigations will come together over the next few months, allowing us to analyse the results and progress our plans for the design of the bridge and the approach roads.
“Transport Scotland appreciates the cooperation of all the landowners, residents and businesses who have accommodated these works and allowed us to stay on schedule.”
