Inquiry Into Forth Road Bridge Closure To Go Ahead
A Committee inquiry to consider issues around the structural defects that have led to the current closure of the Forth Road Bridge will get underway early next year.
The Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee aims to hear from Transport Scotland/Amey officials and engineers, representatives of the former Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA), independent engineering experts and the Transport Minister in a series of evidence sessions starting next month.
The Committee has today also issued a call for written evidence from any individuals or organisations who feel they may have information relevant to the Committee’s inquiry.
Announcing the inquiry, Committee Convener Jim Eadie MSP said: “The closure of the Forth Road Bridge has led to disruption to many commuters, businesses and visitors. While we welcome the Government’s announcement that the Bridge is expected to reopen early in the new year, legitimate questions have been raised about why the Bridge had to be closed and whether the structural problems identified could have been avoided or dealt with differently.
“The Committee has agreed that these questions should be addressed in a focussed, timely and transparent manner. That is why we have today agreed a schedule of oral evidence sessions with those individuals and organisations we see as key to this issue, and why we are calling for written evidence from anyone who feels they have information relevant to the Committee’s work in this area.
“It is my expectation that oral evidence sessions will be heard in January and February next year with a Committee report being published in March.”
Meanwhile Transport Minister Derek Mackay said: “To date our absolute focus has rightly been on getting the bridge reopened as quickly and safely as possible, and ensuring a credible travel plan is in place to minimise disruption. I don’t think anyone would question that approach, and it’s important the engineers and experts have had space to fully concentrate on the complex repairs.
“I welcome the ICI committee’s decision to hold an inquiry, once the bridge has reopened , and I look forward to participating in that process. From day one I have been open and accountable. I have also been fully accessible, updating Parliament, speaking to the media on a daily basis, chairing a technical briefing for MSPs, and keeping stakeholders and political representatives up to date, I have taken every opportunity to be transparent on this issue of national importance – that will continue to be the case.
“I am confident that when the engineers – including those with 30 years’ experience of working on the FRB and the independent experts - get the chance to provide evidence to the committee, including the unpredictable nature of the fault, then people will see that the Scottish Government and Transport Scotland have taken difficult but decisive action and have behaved in a responsible manner.”