The construction industry in Scotland will be given a boost by the news that the planned new crossing over the river Forth will inject new jobs into the economy.

Scottish cabinet secretary for infrastructure Alex Neil said that construction of the new bridge, which is expected to be completed by 2016, will create up to 1,200 construction jobs in the area, whilst also conserving another 3,000.

Businesses in the area have already seen benefits to the tune of £20 million from the early planning and building of the crossing.

"Scotland's economy is strengthening and continued progress on this project clearly demonstrates that the Scottish government's robust actions on capital investment and supporting jobs are delivering real results," he said.

The new bridge over the river is being designed in order to lower traffic on the existing Forth Road Bridge, which was built in 1964, and is now facing levels of traffic far greater than predicted when planning was in place for it.

Posted by Kate Griffin