A third set of studies ahead of the construction of the £2billion Forth Replacement Crossing is set to begin in late February.

Forthspan and Forth Crossing Constructors - which are both seeking to build the bridge by 2016  - are allowed to request further investigations from Transport Scotland as part of the competitive tendering process.

The information, from ground and marine data, will then support the development of the consortias' tender submissions, due towards the end of the year.
 
The process to find the right builders is taking place at the same time as the Forth Replacement Crossing Bill works its way through the Scottish Parliament to avoid potential restrictions on the existing bridge.

Transport Scotland's consultant engineers, Jacobs Arup, is currently collating the investigation requests from both consortia and will organise the works.
 
The studies are expected to last about eight weeks and further details will be announced shortly once the specification has been agreed.

The contractors undertaking the investigations will be those involved in the previous works during 2008 and 2009.
 
Paul Mellon, Transport Scotland's geotechnical manager for the Forth Replacement Crossing, said: "These latest marine and ground investigations support the current competitive dialogue phase of the tendering process which allows the two consortia to discuss their proposals with Transport Scotland.

"The timescale for the works is very tight to ensure that the information requested by the consortia is available in time to be taken account of in their tenders.

"Along with our consultants Jacobs Arup, Transport Scotland will continue to liaise with statutory organisations and residents living near to the works, ensuring they remain aware of developments. Where access is required, we also remain in close contact with landowners and are grateful for their continued cooperation."
 
"As with previous investigation works, our aim is to carry out these works as unobtrusively as possible."

Plans for the new crossing have sparked some controversy from West Lothian Council along wth local authorities in Edinburgh and Fife.

They fear congestion problems in the surrounding areas while the new crossing is constructed.