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The Forth Replacement Crossing project, with the iconic Queensferry Crossing as its centrepiece, has won the Greatest Contribution to Scotland award at this year’s Saltire Infrastructure Awards.



The annual awards recognise excellence and innovation in civil engineering and has recognised the Queensferry Crossing's contribution to the publics' quality of life, just over a year after it first opened.

The state-of-the-art £1.34 billion bridge is the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world and boasts several ‘firsts’ including the world’s longest continuous underwater concrete pour.

The bridge has been credited with safeguarding a vital transport corridor and has had a hugely positive impact on travel between the Lothians and Fife, with its purpose built wind shields and the addition of hard shoulders making the bridge considerably more reliable than the Forth Road Bridge.

The judges recognised its importance in creating resilience in Scotland’s transport network and the professional excellence displayed in all aspects of its design and construction.

'Scottish icon'



Presenting the main awards MSP, Kate Forbes, said: ''I am of course delighted that the newest Scottish icon, the Queensferry Crossing has been recognised for its contribution to Scotland.

''It is delivering extensive benefits to users and communities whilst safeguarding vital transport connections, helping families and businesses right across the country.''



''These projects and the many others that are being taken forward to create a legacy for the people of Scotland.''



'Vital infrastructure'



Professor Sally Mapstone, President of the Saltire Society, said: ''Civil engineers design, build and maintain the vital infrastructure on which our quality of life depends and these projects show Scotland at its best.

''The Saltire Society celebrates the Scottish imagination and talent and nowhere is this more evident than in the ‘art and science’ of civil engineering.''



The awards attracted 12 entries from across Scotland and included submissions for harbours, bridges, tunnels, motorways, distilleries, railways, public spaces and flood protection scheme, with Glasgow’s Shieldhall Tunnel taking home the Infrastructure Award.