Just 2 bids for bridge project

THE new Forth road bridge – Scotland's biggest construction project for decades – has attracted only two potential bidders because of fears over cost increases and funding.

Ministers will have to choose between consortia involving the Scottish company Morrison Construction and its rival Balfour Beatty for the £2.3 billion bridge.

Three bidders had been expected but two groups have been formed from eight firms and eight consultants which confirmed their interest in the scheme – less than half the original 39 expressions of interest lodged.

Industry experts said other firms had been frightened off by potentially having to shoulder unexpected cost increases in the giant fixed-price contract.