THE new road bridge across the Firth of Forth will be the longest of its type anywhere in the world when it opens next May, with inspectors from the Guinness Word Records officially confirming the structure's record-breaking status.

The Queensferry Crossing's 1.7 mile span will make it the longest, three-tower, cable-stayed bridge anywhere when it opens to traffic next year. It will also be the tallest bridge in the UK.

Its record-breaking measurements were ratified during a visit by experts from the Guinness World Records which came as the bridge's central deck was completed.

Cabinet Secretary for the Economy Keith Brown said: “We can all agree the Queensferry Crossing is a modern marvel and a world-class feat of engineering. It’s only fitting then that the bridge has been awarded a Guinness World Records title.

“This world-record breaking structure is all the more remarkable when you consider the extreme weather conditions often experienced out in the Firth of Forth, especially working up above the water between 60 metres (197ft) and 210 metres (689ft) high. Everyone who has worked so hard and skilfully to build this amazing bridge is a world record beater in their own right.

“It won’t be long before the balanced cantilever disappears, when the small gaps between the towers are closed. But the record is still there to be beaten and the Queensferry Crossing will still be the tallest bridge in the UK and longest bridge of its type anywhere in the world.”

Since last September each 16 metre-long (52ft), 750 tonne section of deck has been added piece by piece using the balanced cantilever method, which avoids placing too much stress on the concrete tower.

It is the first time the balanced cantilever method has ever been used to construct a bridge this large.

Iain Cookson, FCBC Manager Centre Tower said: “It’s not every day you get to achieve a Guinness World Records title. The construction of this record-breaking cantilevered structure has involved the installation of 36 separate steel and concrete composite deck sections.

"These massive sections measure approximately 40 metres wide, 16 metres long are 5 metres deep and weigh an average of 750 tonnes. Each one had to be lifted up 60 metres above sea-level before being welded and bolted into position. Simultaneously, we had to create and install the steel stay- cables which will bear the weight of each deck section for decades to come.

“It has been a tremendous team effort ever since we lifted the first deck section in October 2015.”