Wednesday 24 Mar 2021
A sign of things to come at Leven
- Region & Route:
- Scotland’s Railway: Scotland
Network Rail is advising people who are using the disused Leven railway corridor to ‘be aware’ as activity increases ahead of work to reinstate the line.
In the years since the line closed, the area has been used by local people for walking, running, fishing and nature watching as it is flat, vehicle-free and offered good views of, and access to, the river, even though the line has always been classed as operational railway.
However, with the preparatory work well underway ahead of the reconstruction of the railway, Network Rail is urging caution and are asking people to be extra careful if they continue to use the area due to the increasing number of vehicles and site activity.
To flag the increased risk to the public, signs have been positioned across the nine-kilometre rail corridor.
Engineers have already carried out vegetation clearance and site survey and geological investigations (SIGI) to inform the development of the project is ongoing. Further survey and inspection work will be happening as the rail corridor and surrounding area begins to gear up for major construction activity later in the year.
Tom McPake, Project manager for the Levenmouth rail link project said; “We understand that over the years, the disused railway has been used by people exercising, enjoying nature and accessing the river.
“While we do not want to prevent anyone from doing these things just yet, we want to ensure that they can continue to do so safely. There will be more vehicles, more workers and more activity with railway plant and vehicles moving along the railway corridor. It’s for this reason we are encouraging people to be careful.
“While we would ask people to avoid using the area if they can, we would advise them to be extra vigilant if they continue to do so.”
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. You can find out more by visiting www.scotlandsrailway.com/projects
Notes to Editors
Notes to Editors
Levenmouth Reconnected will see the reinstatement of 19 single track kilometres of railway and two new modern accessible stations for the east of Fife - with work set to get underway later in 2022.
The project is part of the Scottish Government’s rail decarbonisation agenda with the line also being prepared for future electrification.
As well as the promise of better connectivity this scale of investment to improve our transport infrastructure will help to deliver benefits to the economy. It will act as an enabler for growth, provide better access to employment and education opportunities and expanded social and leisure options for people all across the area.
Contact information
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03457 11 41 41
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NR Press Office 0141 555 4108 / 07515 617073
Owen.Campbell1@networkrail.co.uk
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