Plans to take the public to the top of the Forth Bridge have taken a step forward.
In a six-figure deal, Network Rail has appointed Arup to progress plans for a visitor centre and walkway on the Victorian bridge.
The company will develop detailed plans for lifts to take the public soaring up to a viewing platform at the top of the bridge, 110m above sea level, and a visitor centre which incorporates education, exhibition and function facilities at North Queensferry.
It also includes plans for access for bridge walkers on the south side of the Forth.
Build ready designs should be delivered by the middle of next year with applications then being lodged for planning permission with local authorities.
The project will be led by Arup’s South Queensferry office and will be supported by two local firms, WT Architecture which will provide advice and local knowledge and the Paul Hogarth Company, which will help develop the hard and soft landscaping.
Network Rail’s route managing director David Dickson said: “This is a significant investment in our vision for a ground-breaking new tourist attraction for Scotland.
“It demonstrates our commitment to further developing our visitor proposals during the Forth Bridge’s 125th anniversary year.”
He said the quality of submissions for the project were exceptionally high.
Arup’s bid had stood out for a number of reasons, not least the use of local firms.
John Campbell, Arup’s rail business leader in Scotland, said the company was delighted to be awarded the prestigious contract.