The Queensferry Crossing has reached another major milestone with news its towers are halfway to the top.
All three towers on the £1.35 billionproject now stand more than half of their final 210 metre height, making an impressive sight as they soar above the Forth.
In addition, the deck is now emerging from each tower 10% is already in place.
This spring the public will see the cables emerge as the towers continue to reach for the skies and the decks widen across the Forth from each tower. They will reach their full height by summer.
“By the end of this year it will look very impressive,” said Transport Scotlandproject director David Climie.
Even with challenges ahead, the work remains on schedule for the bridge, which is under budget, to open by the end of next year.
During a visit to the tower’s deck platform, more than 60 metres above the water, Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown said: “There are now over 1,000 people working on the project in what is a 24-hour operation out on the water.
“Visiting in the middle of winter reminds us only too well of the harsh and challenging conditions those building the bridge will continue to face before the bridge opens in late 2016.
“The entire scheme has been widely praised as a shining example of good,efficient project management.”
Away from the bridge itself, work is also under way on the north approach viaduct, where the bridge will land on the Fife side. This will be technically challenging.
Assembly of the southern viaduct deck is complete and will be launched into its final position later this year.
“Constructing and upgrading theconnecting roads are a huge job in their own right,” added Mr Brown.
“In fact there are 11 road bridges being built as part of the new approach road and junction on the south side and the significantly upgraded Ferrytoll junction to the north.”
Average speed cameras will be installed from the south end of the Forth Road Bridge at Echline through to the Admiralty junction on the M90 this spring and summer.
There will be a 40mph average speed limit to control traffic through the period of extensive roadworks.
leclark@thecourier.co.uk