<P> It was initially suggested that the new bridge would be funded via the Scottish Futures Trust , an alternative to public - private partnership funding for major public - sector schemes . However , the Scottish Government announced in December 2008 that public funding would be used . As part of the Scottish Government 's Strategic Transport Projects Review , the new Forth crossing was priced at between £ 1.72 billion and £ 2.34 billion . Under the revised scheme , the existing bridge will be retained for public transport , cyclists and pedestrians , and the new bridge was to be operational by 2016 . </P>
<P> It was initially suggested that the new bridge would be funded via the Scottish Futures Trust , an alternative to public - private partnership funding for major public - sector schemes . However , the Scottish Government announced in December 2008 that public funding would be used . As part of the Scottish Government 's Strategic Transport Projects Review , the new Forth crossing was priced at between £ 1.72 billion and £ 2.34 billion . Under the revised scheme , the existing bridge will be retained for public transport , cyclists and pedestrians , and the new bridge was to be operational by 2016 . </P>
who paid for the new forth road bridge
who paid for the new forth road bridge
public funding
public funding