In a parliamentary answer to Scottish Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, infrastructure secretary Keith Brown said “adverse weather” in April and May meant the Queensferry Crossing would be delayed.
This is despite repeated assurances from the SNP that the bridge was on schedule, particularly when the current road crossing was closed for repair work over Christmas.
In January, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon told the Scottish Parliament: “By the end of this year, the new Queensferry Crossing will be completed.”
In his answer today, Mr Brown stated: “Due to adverse weather conditions in April and May 2016 exceeding expectations and resulting in an increase in days lost to weather, they are unable to achieve the target opening date of December 2016.”
The Scottish Conservatives said ministers must now give a date for completion, and provide assurances that the current bridge is fit to carry on in the meantime.
A ministerial statement will be made later today providing more detail on the bridge delays.
Scottish Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said:
“This is very disappointing news for people on both sides of the bridge.
“They were continually told by the Scottish Government that this project was ahead of schedule and would soon be up and running.
“Now we find this is not the case, so the SNP must now give an exact date when this will be completed by.
“We saw the sheer disruption caused to people and businesses when the existing Forth Road Bridge was closed over Christmas.
“It’s essential we know whether or not the patch-and-mend approach taken at that point will be enough to ensure it can cope until the Queensferry Crossing opens.”