The plans for the Levenmouth Rail link will see the reinstatement and electrification of a double tracked railway from Thornton junction to Leven on the Fife coast and the construction of two new stations.
Preparatory work until now has seen the clearance of vegetation along the five-mile corridor and the removal of redundant and life-expired railway equipment from the former line. Activity is currently ongoing to treat invasive plant species, inspect structures and to drill trial holes along the full length of the route to check ground conditions and test for contamination.
Forthcoming activity on the project will include the installation of fencing on the line before the start of work proper on the project early in 2022.
Completion of the rail link will see trains on the line for the first time in more than half a century.
Jenny Gilruth MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes said: “It was great to have the chance to visit on-site at Leven, to meet the team and to hear more details first hand about the work that has been happening. I’m really grateful to Network Rail staff for facilitating this visit and for the time they spent with elected members answering questions.
“In exactly two years-time we will have trains running into Leven for the first time in over 50 years. That’s going to bring employment and leisure opportunities for local people as well as deliver significant benefits to our communities and the local economy.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to see some of the progress up close with the Network Rail team and to learn a little more about some of the environmental challenges the team have faced, particularly given the industrial past of Levenmouth. I know work on the first mile of track is due to start in January and I can’t wait to see it taking shape.”
Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail project manager for the Levenmouth Rail link project said: “Preparation for the start of work on the line is stepping up and while we still have some planning and development work to complete, the start of work proper to deliver the project is not far away.
“The rail link will improve social and economic opportunities for people in Cameron Bridge and Leven, and the surrounding communities, and we will work hard to deliver the new line for the area as quickly as possible.
“The scale of the work that will be involved in the project means that in the short-term there will be some disruption for the area, but It is an exciting development that has the potential to transform life for local people and the communities it will serve.”
Network Rail is encouraging anyone with any questions about the project to email LevenmouthReconnected@networkrail.co.uk or call our 24-hr helpline on 03457 11 41 41.
Notes to Editors
Summary of Project:
The project is currently preparing to deliver;:
- 19 single track kilometres of new / reinstated railway. (This means a double track railway running the full length).
- Two new modern accessible stations
- Work with partners to optimise travel / interchange options connecting stations
Current Status:
The project is currently onsite, designing and developing a delivery programme.
- Station designs will be complete shortly and planning applications made following this
- It is anticipated that main construction works will begin early in 2022