The £1.35bn Queensferry Crossing is on target to open to traffic by the end of the year.

MSPs were told on Wednesday that workers were "absolutely focused" on finishing the new structure over the Firth of Forth by the end of the year.

Transport Scotland project director David Climbie told Holyrood’s infrastructure and capital investment committee the project was progressing well despite difficult conditions.

He said: "The site team has risen to the challenges of the past few months and through their efforts and through the [Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors'] efficient management of equipment and resources, the principal contract for the Queensferry Crossing and approach roads continues on target for opening to traffic by the end of 2016.

"We are absolutely focused on the target date of having traffic on the bridge by the end of this year, no matter what happens, whether it be weather, whether it be unexpected events like the Forth Road Bridge closure."

In 2009, the new crossing had been expected to cost up to £2.34bn, however, the overall figure was later revised to be around £1.35bn.

Mr Climbie said: "We are still focused absolutely on achieving the original target date for opening to traffic and to a significantly reduced budget."

The closure of the existing Forth Road Bridge to all traffic in December due to a structural fault allowed workers on the new crossing to work on surrounding roads during the daytime, rather than having to do this at night, he said.

Mr Climbie praised staff, adding: "We've worked well over 10 million man hours on the project, we have a tremendous workforce on site, they have worked through some difficult conditions over the last six months or so and I think their dedication to the project and their pride in the project is very clear."