The Levenmouth Rail Link saw the North-East Fife MP visit the site that will become the brand-new Leven Station. During the visit, Wendy witnessed work underway to provide scour protection for the location where the building sits close to the adjacent river. The visit also provided a chance to understand more about the challenges facing the project team.
To date, the vast infrastructure project has seen the first section of rail to the west of the route at Thornton junction completed and is now in operation supporting both deliveries and further activities.
At present, the project team are working on all sites right across the line including on the second-mile track section for a number of structures. Further work has also seen the re-profiling of embankments with the delivery of flood and scour protection at a number of areas across the route
The project also expects to see the strengthening of Leven Rail bridge (Bawbee) take place in the coming months on behalf of Fife Council and subject to a planning application for a diversionary route.
Once complete, the branch line will see trains calling at Cameron Bridge and Level stations for the first time since 1969. The project is set to complete during Spring 2024.
Wendy Chamberlain MP said: “I was delighted to be able to take the opportunity to visit the Rail Link site, meet the project team and get a different perspective on the work that is happening to reinstate the railway.
“When the railway is complete, it will make this area more attractive for inward investment and provide a timely boost to the local economy.
“Connecting local people to employment and education opportunities out within the area is one important benefit of the project. But the line will also bring people into the area for social and leisure purposes, boosting tourism and supporting the local economy
“I really enjoyed my time on site with the project team and look forward to returning in the near future to see continued progress towards making this long campaigned for line a reality for the local community.”
Martin McKinlay, Network Rail sponsor for the Levenmouth Rail Link said: “It was great to welcome the local MP to the site and to have the chance to show real and tangible progress in the delivery of the project.
“As well as achieving a significant milestone like submitting planning applications for the stations, there is a lot happening on-site and a real feeling of excitement and momentum building around the project
“The new line will improve the social and economic outlook for people in nearby communities and it's great being part of a project that has the potential to transform the lives of local people and the communities the railway will serve.”
I think that electrification on the Levenmouth line is a good idea.