NETWORK Rail has launched plans for the build of a temporary bridge in Fife as part of its £116 million Levenmouth rail project.
The organisation said work is required on the Leven (Bawbee) bridge, with it sitting above what will be the future Leven Station.
It will replace the abutments and bridge deck of the 75-year-old crossing, which is suffering from ‘significant’ deterioration and showing signs of chlorine contamination and corrosion, as well as subject to weight restrictions.
Network Rail said that the nature and extent of the work means the A955 will be closed for a year to enable the removal and reconstruction of the bridge. With circa 18,000 vehicles each day affected by the closure, plans have been launched for a diversion route which would include a temporary bridge.
Lisa Cameron, lead town planner for the Levenmouth Project, said, “The road bridge over the disused railway has been under weight restriction for many years due to the poor condition of the bridge deck and abutments. The work we will carry out on behalf of the council will see the abutments and deck replaced and the bridge parapet height increased making the bridge both stronger and safer. This work cannot be done though without closing the road for an extended period.
“Our proposals will see a diversionary route built and a temporary bridge put in place to reduce inconvenience to the road network during the closure. We believe this is the best solution to deliver the work efficiently and minimise disruption for the local residents.”
