An additional £50m has been taken out of the cost of constructing the new Forth crossing which is due to open in 2016.



Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the Scottish government has reduced the budget for the Queensferry Crossing and associated infrastructure from £1.45bn to £1.4bn.



One of the highest costing contributions to the UK’s road network in recent decades, the Scottish government state that the savings have been made due to the good management of the project, as we as favourable market condition.



Ms Sturgeon said: “It is a very positive news to be able to announce a further £50 million worth of savings from Scotland’s biggest infrastructure project in a generation.



“The progress made since construction started in June 2011 means we have delivered £195 million worth of savings. The sound management and delivery of the scheme should be warmly welcomed.



“Not only is the project delivering value for money it is also benefiting the Scottish economy with subcontract and supply orders for Scottish companies and over 1,000 people currently directly employed on site.



“We recognise there are still challenges to overcome in the years ahead but it is very pleasing to report that with the first sections of deck being placed just last week, the project remains on schedule to be complete by the end of 2016.”