The Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) consortium, comprising Dragados, Hochtief, American Bridge International and Morrison Construction, has been chosen to build the new Forth Bridge Crossing it was announced yesterday.
"The successful FCBC consortium includes world class bridge building and civil engineering firms with strong records of successfully delivering similar projects throughout the world," said Finance Secretary John Swinney.
FCBC was chosen ahead of Forthspan, following an 18 month competitive tendering process. FCBC's successful bid for the design and build contract of £790 million, at today's prices, is signifcantly lower than the initial estimated cost range of £0.9 billion to £1.2 billion.
This bid for the Principal Contract excludes VAT and inflation. By incorporating this bid value and removing the cost of capital charge the FRC project now has a revised total out-turn cost of £1.47 to £1.62 billion, less than the project's original estimated cost range of £1.7 to £2.3 billion.
The contract is expected to be awarded to FCBC in April, subject to a mandatory standstill period, with construction starting on site soon after. The FRC project is currently on track to be delivered in 2016 and will replace the current Forth Road Bridge as the main crossing for cross-Forth traffic.
"Value for money was clearly an essential factor in making this decision but the winning proposal also includes hugely valuable commitments on sustainability, training and employment opportunities and community engagement," said Swinney.
Swinney said the bid will annually provide 45 vocational training positions, 21 professional body training places and 46 positions for the long term unemployed.
He added: "The Forth Replacement Crossing project will be essential in protecting and promoting Scotland's sustainable economic growth, safeguarding a vital link in the country's transport infrastructure, protecting thousands of jobs and securing over a billion pounds in economic revenue."