The long-awaited decision on a new Forth crossing was made by the Scottish cabinet last night and will be revealed in parliament today, writes Steve Bargeton, political editor.

Ministers considered four detailed proposals—two bridges and two tunnels—across two corridors.

The First Minister’s official spokesman said, “John Swinney (finance secretary) will make an announce- ment in parliament tomorrow.”

The spokesman said that the cabinet considered cable-stayed and suspension bridge options and bored and immersed tunnel options and came to a decision.

In June The Courier exclusively revealed that ministers favoured a bridge to be built alongside the existing road bridge.

Since then a lengthy consultation process has taken place in which various options for bridges and tunnels have been considered across various routes.

Transport Scotland has backed a plan to build a bridge to the west—upstream—of the road bridge.

This is the cheapest option, links into the existing road network and has the lowest environmental impact.

The estimated cost of a new bridge by the time it is completed in 2016 would be between £2.5 billion and £3.5 billion—almost three times original estimates.

The price tag for a tunnel is even higher at between £3.6 billion and £4.7 billion.

Ministers are determined that the new crossing will be a “world class project.”

In the summer transport minister Stewart Stevenson said, “The eyes of the world will be upon us as we proceed to construction of this major project that will deliver real benefits not just for the people of Fife but for the economy of the whole of Scotland.

“I am determined that the world will witness the delivery of a world class project in a world class way.”

Last night Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP John Park said the new crossing must be built to last.

“Whatever plans the Scottish Government outline tomorrow for a new Forth crossing must be future proof,” he said.

“The original bridge was meant to last 100 years and without major refurbishment it will be lucky to see its 50th birthday.

“The new crossing must be multimodal and have the option of carrying light rail either when it opens or at some point in the future.”

Scottish Tory deputy leader Murdo Fraser said, “There has been enough foot dragging on this issue.

“It is essential we have some certainty.”

Central Fife SNP MSP Tricia Marwick said, “I am delighted a decision has been made and I look forward to hearing what option has been chosen.

“The SNP government have worked quickly and consulted fully to honour their promise to announce the preferred option by the end of the year.”