Published on 12 Apr 2010
The operators of the Forth Road Bridge today set out their views on the best way to maintain and operate the new Forth crossing. The Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) is calling for a single body to manage the new crossing and the existing bridge together, taking advantage of existing experienced staff and resources.
FETA Convener Phil Wheeler said: “FETA considers that, to ensure best value to the taxpayer and the most effective operation and maintenance of the two bridges, they should be managed jointly by a single operator.
“There are obvious efficiencies and operational benefits to be gained by avoiding duplication of resources and by one body co-ordinating maintenance and traffic management between the two structures.
“We recognise that this might mean dissolving FETA as currently constituted and establishing a new body. However, our priority is what is best for the Forth bridges and the people who rely on them.
“It would make sense for whichever body is appointed to use existing resources – we are fortunate to have already on site a highly skilled and experienced team of staff and a full complement of workshops, stores and office accommodation.”
FETA’s views are set out in a submission to the Forth Crossing Bill Committee, which is currently considering legislation to authorise construction of the new crossing. In the submission FETA also calls for a decision on maintenance to be made as soon as possible.
Barry Colford, FETA’s Chief Engineer & Bridgemaster, explains: “Lessons learned from other major bridges, in particular the Second Severn Crossing, show how important it is that the maintenance operator is involved at the procurement stage and as early as possible in that process.
“Involving the people who will be looking after the structure in the long term will ensure that future maintenance issues are not overlooked during the design process. Failure to plan adequately for maintenance can lead to costly problems in later years. This is an especially pertinent issue in Design and Construct contracts, where the emphasis is naturally on competitive tendering.”
The current draft of the Forth Crossing Bill does not mention the maintenance and operation of the new bridge, while the covering Policy Memorandum proposes that decisions in this area do not need to be made until 2013, two years after construction is due to begin.
The Bridge:
Location
- No restrictions on bridge (19:34 UTC 04/02/12)