THE Queensferry Crossing has moved closer to bridging the Firth of Forth, with key supports on all three towers being prepared for deck-building.

One of the largest modern civil engineering projects in the country, it is expected to cost between £1.4 billion and £1.45bn and is due for completion in late 2016.

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: "Striking progress is being made on the Queensferry Crossing, with the structure of the bridge taking shape. In recent weeks some of the temporary steel supports and platforms have been placed alongside the three main towers.

"When this phase is complete it will allow for installation of the first pieces of bridge deck.

"The Queensferry ­Crossing's towers will be more than 650ft high when complete next year. As they approach approximately two-thirds of their final height, work to install the remaining cables and deck is expected to commence."