The proposal to replace the Forth Road Bridge between Edinburgh and Fife in Scotland has been approved by the Scottish Government.

It is expected that the principal contract for the project worth £900m ($1.4bn) to £1.2bn ($1.87bn) to build the bridge and connecting roads, will be awarded in April 2011.

The additional major contracts to upgrade M9 Junction 1a and ITS in Fife will be awarded soon.

Bridge construction is expected to begin next year and is scheduled to be complete in 2016.

The existing Forth Road Bridge would be retained as a dedicated public transport corridor for buses, cycles and taxis under the current proposal.