Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed that the new budget for the Queensferry Crossing and connecting road network is down from a maximum of £1.45bn to £1.4bn.

The government said the savings were down to “continued delivery of key construction milestones, successful management of the project and prevailing market conditions.”

Ms Sturgeon said: “It is a very positive news to be able to announce a further £50 million worth of savings from Scotland’s biggest infrastructure project in a generation.

“The progress made since construction started in June 2011 means we have delivered £195 million worth of savings. The sound management and delivery of the scheme should be warmly welcomed.

“Not only is the project delivering value for money it is also benefitting the Scottish economy with subcontract and supply orders for Scottish companies and over 1,000 people currently directly employed on site.

“We recognise there are still challenges to overcome in the years ahead but it is very pleasing to report that with the first sections of deck being placed just last week, the project remains on schedule to be complete by the end of 2016.”