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Friday 10 Jul 2026

Railway closures to deliver key stage of electrification work in Fife

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Rail passengers in Fife are being asked to plan ahead this October as Network Rail carries out a major programme of engineering to help prepare the railway for electrification. 

The work is part of the Scottish Government's £311.5m investment to electrify 118km of the Fife Circle route and introduce new battery-electric trains, supporting the wider modernisation of Scotland's railway and a move towards more sustainable transport. 

Over 18 days, engineers will carry out bridge replacements, track and signalling upgrades, and other improvements in the area to clear the way for the installation of new overhead power lines.

During the closures, bridges at Bennochy Road in Kirkcaldy, Muriespot bridge near Coaltown of Balgonie, and Main Street in Thornton will be demolished and rebuilt. Teams will also upgrade the bridge on Cardenden Road in Cardenden, make track changes, install foundations and structures for electrification equipment, and carry out extensive signalling upgrades. 

Three planned rail closures will allow teams to complete some of the most complex parts of the project safely and efficiently: 

• Inverkeithing and Thornton North: 10 to 20 October 
• Thornton North, Cupar and Hilton Junction: 20 to 24 October 
• Lochgelly and Glenrothes: 24 to 28 October. 

Customers are being asked to check their specific journeys with their train operator before travelling, with more information on alternative transport becoming available closer to the time.

Michael McArthur, project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: "This project paves the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on one of Scotland's busiest rail routes. It will help increase capacity, improve reliability and deliver more accessible, comfortable and sustainable journeys for passengers. 

"We know there's never an ideal time to close any part of the railway, and our teams have planned the work carefully to keep the impact to a minimum. We appreciate the patience of passengers and local residents while these improvements take place.” 

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, said: “This work is an important step forward in delivering a more modern, sustainable, and reliable railway for Scotland. 

“We’re working closely with Network Rail to help keep customers moving when the improvements are delivered, and we’ll have a rail replacement transport plan in place to ensure customers can continue to travel with confidence. 

“Customers are asked to plan ahead and check their journey before they travel, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding while the project is delivered.” 

More information is available on the Scotland’s Railway website.