SIGNIFICANT work to repair and refurbish a number of bridges has been completed on the £116 million Levenmouth rail link, Network Rail has announced.
The rail organisation is currently delivering nine kilometres of railway and two new train stations to bring rail travel back to Levenmouth for the first time since 1969.
Work began in March of this year, with early progress on the project having also seen the first mile of rail to the west of the route at Thornton junction commissioned. The line is now being utilised to enable the delivery of the second mile of track work.
Further to the ‘significant’ work to repair and refurbish a number of bridges on the line, Network Rail said that it is anticipates that work to strengthen the Leven Rail (Bawbee) bridge on behalf of Fife Council will begin in Autumn.
The announcements from the rail organisation came during a visit to the site by Patrick Harvie, Scottish Government minister for zero carbon buildings, active travel, and tenant rights.
He said, “This is my first opportunity to visit the site and understand the scale of the task to reinstate the railway and the challenge ahead for the project team.
“Providing low-carbon transport options will make this area more attractive for inward investment and will support growth in tourism, which will both, in turn, support communities and boost the local economy.
“Investment in active travel inks and facilities around the core railway project is part of the Scottish Government’s work to expand the nation’s network of cycling and walking routes to connect communities and wider active travel networks already in place locally as we work towards our net-zero ambitions.
“I look forward to seeing the project progress and further opportunities to hear from a wide range of people about its benefits and challenges.”
Martin McKinlay, Network Rail sponsor for the Levenmouth Rail Link, added, “The new line will improve social and economic opportunities for people in the surrounding communities and we are working hard with local partners to maximise the positive impact the project will have right across the area.
“It was great to welcome Mr Harvie on site to show the work already happening, discuss next steps in the delivery phase and to show that the Rail Link is well on its way to becoming a reality.
“It is great being part of a project that that has the potential to be massively positive for the area and to deliver something that will transform the lives of local people and the communities the railway will serve.”
Project Scotland visited the Levenmouth rail site in May where senior project manager, Sean Clemie, gave us a tour of the various bridges on the route. To read the article click here.
