Council decision on Kirkcaldy rail bridge alterations as part of electrification work
Plans to adapt a bridge over the rail line in Kirkcaldy as part of the electrification of the route have been given the go-ahead.
Network Rail has secured permission from Fife Council to carry out the work on the parapet of the structure between Lady Nairn Avenue and Viewforth Gardens
The work forms part of the electrification of the rail line, and is required because the bridge needs to be raised in height.
A supporting statement, submitted as part of the planning application, said: “Network Rail needs to alter the parapets on the bridge as the side parapets of the footbridge do not meet the standards required.
The proposals involve the addition of a steel plate parapet extension. This will extend the height of the existing parapets by 261mm. The extension plate will be painted recessive dark green to match the existing colour.”
The application is the second to impact on a bridge in Kirkcaldy.
Network Rail is also seeking to replace an existing wooden bridge which runs from Boreland Road to Randolph Place with a new steel footbridge.
The current structure does not provide sufficient clearance for the passage of Overhead Line Equipment (OLE) for electric trains to pass under.
That work is slated to start in March and be completed by the start of July.
A core path crosses the existing timber footbridge creating a route from Boreland Road to Randolph Place. Discussions are ongoing Fife Coast and Countryside Trust regarding signage for the diversion routes during works.