TRANSPORT Scotland has stressed that work on the new £1.4billion Queensferry Crossing remains on schedule and on budget despite reports of a botched concrete pour.

It was reported that work had ground to a halt after pipes carrying concrete from sea level to an upper deck of the north tower burst on 5th June, setting the project back more than a fortnight and costing hundreds of thousands of pounds to fix.

Around six lorryloads were said to have been poured before workers realised the consistency was wrong and had to later dig out the mix after it had set.

Transport Scotland admitted that there were “some difficulties” on the concrete pour but were keen to underline that the impact on the overall programme was minimal and that there were no implications on the budget.

A spokesperson said, “Health and safety is our number one priority on the Forth Replacement Crossing project.

‘Difficulties’ “All construction activities are carefully planned via method statements and risk assessments in line with relevant regulations.

“The Forth Replacement Crossing project remains on schedule and under budget.

“Some difficulties were encountered on the first concrete pour on the north tower deck last Friday, causing the pour to be stopped.

“The small quantity of concrete placed has already been removed, cleaning work is under way and we expect to be in a position to pour the concrete in this area this week.

“A project on this scale requires careful planning and delivery of thousands of construction activities, time to address any problems which may arise is accounted for in the overall programme.

“The project has a set budget range of £1.35billion-£1.4billion – this remains unchanged.” The new bridge is expected to open to traffic next year but buses, pedestrians and cyclists will all continue to use the existing Forth Road Bridge.