Leven Rail Bridge: Extra £1.9m poured into replacement work as costs hit £10m

The cash for the Bawbee Brig is needed after the cost of the work jumped from the £8.1m signed off by councillors to an estimated £10.6m.

Fife Council’s cabinet committee agreed the additional funding today, and the money will come from its Future Construction Inflation budget.

The bridge is suffering from significant deterioration and is subject to weight restrictions. It is to be demolished and replaced while efforts to reinstate the rail link to Leven continue ahead of the line reopening in 2024.

Most of the cost increase has been put down to significant rises in costs experienced by the UK construction industry as a whole as a result of global events and in the aftermath of COVID, while costs for materials and personnel have also gone up by around 20% and 10% respectively since April 2022.

As a result, utility companies carrying out crucial diversionary works before the bridge can come down have amended their projected costs accordingly

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, said: “The Leven Rail Link and associated programmes will bring over £130m of investment to the Levenmouth area which is a key regeneration focus.

“The approach taken is the best solution to deliver all of the work required efficiently and minimise disruption for local residents.

“It’s good to note that the level of construction works required to replace the Leven Rail Bridge is broadly in line with original estimates, but we’re not immune to wider forces. It’s unfortunate to see the cost of utility diversions in particular rise above what was projected.”He added: “The ultimate goals have not changed and this decision provides all parties with some clarity and reassurance.”

The council has to deliver the bridge replacement works before the rail link programme to avoid the excessive construction costs associated with delivering the works over a live rail line. The bridge renewal work will be taken forward by Network Rail, but the local authority has to sign off an agreement with the operator. An assurance on funding is key to that.