A985 Kincardine Bridge - Environmental Impact Assessment – Notice of determination

The Scottish Ministers give notice that they have determined that the refinement of the design for the replacement of the Kincardine Bridge Southern Piled Viaduct to retain the site compound is a relevant project within the meaning of section 55A of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 (“the 1984 Act”) as the works fall within Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU on the assessment of certain public and private projects on the environment, but that having regard to – 

  1. the selection criteria contained in Annex III of that Directive, namely
    1. the use of natural resources, in particular land, soil, water and biodiversity;
    2. the production of waste;
    3. pollution and nuisances;
    4. the risks to human health (for example due to water contamination or air pollution);
    5. areas classified or protected under national legislation; Natura 2000 areas designated by Member States pursuant to Directive 92/43/EEC and Directive 2009/147/E;
    6. landscapes and sites of historical, cultural or archaeological significance,
  2. the results of the Environmental Screening Assessment under section 55A(2) of the 1984 Act, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report for the A985 Kincardine Bridge Southern Piled Viaduct Replacement, and the Assessment under regulation 48 of the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (“the 1994 Regulations”) concluded that there would be no Adverse Effects on Site Integrity on the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area, the Firth of Forth Ramsar, and the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation,
  3. the information set out in the Record of Determination dated 25 September 2025

the design change does not require an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The main reasons for the conclusion that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required are:

  1. The Assessment under the 1994 Regulations concluded that there would be no Adverse Effects on Site Integrity on the Firth of Forth Special Protection Area, the Firth of Forth Ramsar, and the River Tweed Special Area of Conservation;
  2. The change in design will not result in any new or different baseline conditions or significant effects and will not alter the findings or conclusions of the A985 Kincardine Bridge Southern Piled Viaduct Replacement Environmental Impact Assessment;
  3. The compound is located approximately 175m from the Kincardine Bridge at its closest point, and will therefore not impact the features of the Bridge for which it is Category A Listed; and
  4. The retained compound would be used as a construction compound during the construction phases of future Kincardine Bridge maintenance schemes.

The features of the project which are envisaged to avoid or prevent significant adverse effects on the environment are:

  1. Mitigation measures and best practice will be implemented when the compound is in operation to ensure no short-term or long-term significant negative impacts on the environment;
  2. The use of the compound will be considered in the environmental assessment of future maintenance schemes;
  3. When not in use, the compound will be secured to prevent debris or pollutants from entering the surrounding environment; and
  4. Measures will be in place to ensure appropriate removal and disposal of waste.

A member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers
Transport Scotland
Roads
177 Bothwell Street, 5th Floor
Glasgow G2 7ER

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Published Date 14 Nov 2025 Type Topic