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Thursday 3 Sep 2020

Rail works to inform project development for Fife and Clackmannanshire

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail will shortly begin the next phase of development work between Alloa and Longannet which could see the reinstatement of passenger services between Clackmannanshire and Fife.

Engineers will be carrying out survey work and site and geological investigations which will help inform the development of a project which could enhance and electrify the former freight line and see the introduction of three new stations at Clackmannan, Kincardine and Longannet.

In line with the Scottish Government’s rail decarbonisation agenda, the line would also be electrified with the ambition to introduce a half hourly passenger service between Alloa and Longannet.

This phase of work will include surveying, drilling boreholes, sampling ballast and extracting core samples to assess the condition of the ground under the railway. A variety of equipment including  boring rigs, and drills will be used all along the 11.5 km line with work ongoing until the end of the year.

Graeme Stewart, Network Rail’s sponsor for the development work on the new West of Fife enhancement proposals, said: “While it is still at a very early phase, there are ambitious plans to expand the railway and develop transport options that improve connectivity between towns in Clackmannanshire and Fife.

“Our site and geological investigations will help inform the design and development of an enhancement project which we will submit for review to Transport Scotland.

“As well as the potential for better connectivity on faster greener, electric trains, this scale of investment to improve our transport infrastructure will deliver economic advantage, expansion of communities, better access to employment and education opportunities and expanded social and leisure options for people all across the area.”

Anyone with any questions or concerns about the work can contact Network Rail’s 24-hour community relations helpline on 03457 11 41 41 or email the project team at WestofFifeEnhancements@networkrail.co.uk