In 2000 proposals were put forward for a number of alternatives, one of which was a new crossing running north-northwest of the existing bridge, bypassing the town of Kincardine altogether.

At the ceremony, Salmond said: "This is a world-class infrastructure project which will cut journey times, improve central Scotland connections, and provide a unique gateway to Clackmannanshire, Fife and Falkirk".

The archaeologists found the largest (206 vessels) and best-dated assemblage of Middle Neolithic Impressed Ware in Scotland, to that date.

Other notable finds were four Early to Middle Bronze Age roundhouses dating to c 1750‒1300 BC; a large pit containing parts of at least 37 pots, and two large double-ring roundhouses, an oval building, and ancillary structures and features dating to the Middle to Late Bronze Age i.e. 1300‒900 BC.

Due to this unique situation a minor row over naming broke out between those local authorities with a vested interest.