THE new Forth Bridge will soon begin rising from the water following the completion of its central tower foundations.
A historic islet in the river was blasted away and nearly three million litres of water displaced to create the foundations for the Forth Replacement Crossing.
Forth Crossing Bridge Constructers (FCBC) blasted Beamer Rock, home to a lighthouse for 185 years, to below water level to build a water-free area known as a cofferdam.
Nearly three million litres (3000 cubic metres) of water were removed from the cofferdam this week.
FCBC's marine foundations team has now formally handed over to the tower team, ready for work to begin on the superstructure itself.
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "This really is a significant milestone as it signifies the completion of one vital element in the marine foundations and the beginning of work above water on the bridge structure itself.
"It's been a big week for the project and the wintry weather on Wednesday was probably a fitting way for the marine foundations team to leave Beamer Rock given the challenging climate they have had to work in for the past 16 months.
"Despite this, I'm pleased that the handover was very much on schedule and the project continues to progress on time and on budget."
Carlo Germani, projector director for FCBC, said: "Dewatering the central tower cofferdam is a major milestone for this project. Creating this water-free environment will allow us to push on with the structural concrete foundation which will be followed by the central tower itself."