THE new Forth crossing will be fitted with huge wind barriers to prevent it being closed in the kind of storms that recently caused problems for drivers.

Earlier this month drivers had to take an 18-mile detour to Kincardine Bridge as hurricane-force gales shut the Forth Road Bridge. But storm shields on its replacement mean it will not have to close in similar conditions.

The bridge was forced to shut to traffic for more than eight hours when 90mph winds swept across much of the country.

Tests have already been carried out by engineers in Italy, with possible designs being compared with similar shielding on the Second Severn Crossing, which has never been closed in high winds since its opening in 1996.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Alex Neil, will reveal details of the wind-shielding on the proposed new Forth bridge in the coming days.

He will also unveil details of millions of pounds-worth of sub-contracts awarded to more than 100 local firms. Another 130 sub-contract opportunities associated with the project are currently being advertised.

Speaking about the plans to be unveiled this week, Mr Neil said: "The new crossing will incorporate state-of-the-art wind-shielding to ensure it remains open to traffic during the sort of extreme high winds that shut the road bridge earlier in December, meaning fewer diversions and less disruption for motorists and the travelling public.

"Our expectation is that if the road network is functioning, the Forth Replacement Crossing will be open and operational."

Mr Neil also described the crossing project as an early Christmas present for the construction sector.

"The principal contract includes hugely valuable commitments on sustainability, training and employment opportunities and community engagement."

Mr Neil added that as well as supporting 1200 jobs at its peak, the project would provide 45 vocational training positions, 21 professional training placements and 46 positions for the long-term unemployed each year.

"Many more employment opportunities will be provided for school leavers, graduate engineers, and those currently out of work than originally expected," he said. "We are also working with the contractor to maximise Modern Apprenticeship opportunities.

"The Forth Road Crossing will secure more than 3000 jobs and economic revenue of £1.3 billion that would have otherwise been lost through the recabling of the existing bridge."

The total estimated cost, including VAT and allowing for inflation, is expected to be between £1.45bn and £1.6bn, at 2016 prices.

The principal contract to build the new crossing and approach roads north and south of the Firth of Forth was awarded in April this year to FCBC (Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors) for £790 million.

Work on the project has already started with the excavation of Beamer Rock representing the first stage in laying the foundation for the new bridge's central tower.