Fife rail line closure: work on schedule as next bridge set to be demolished

But the good news for passengers, who are using replacement buses to connect to Edinburgh, is that everything is on schedule.

The busy line was closed on October 10 for 18 days for a key stage in Network Rail’s electrification of the Fife Circle route and introduction of new battery-electric trains.

With all train services paused, engineers have been able to 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.

The work forms part of a £311.5 million project. In Kirkcaldy that has meant a year-long closure of the bridge over Bennochy Road. It has now been demolished.

And in Thornton, a five-month total road closure is now in place to carry out similar work at the town’s rail halt. The bridge there will be demolished on Saturday (October 24) and then rebuilt up to 30cm higher to accommodate the overhead lines.

At both junctions, a huge part of the work is removing, and then re-instating all the utilities - something that takes several months either side of the bridges coming down and going back up.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “Following a successful demolition of the old bridge carrying the road over the railway at Bennochy Road, teams have been working around the clock to prepare the site for the installation of the new bridge, which is on schedule to open in summer of 2027.

“Once the new bridge structure is installed, our partners can then begin the complex process of reinstalling a significant number of critical utilities ahead of the bridge being opened again.

“With the railway closed, teams have been able to make significant progress on the £311m Fife Electrification project, upgrading tracks and rebuilding bridges to create the room we need to install new overhead wires, while also upgrading signals and installing masts which will carry new wires.

“All of this work is being done to support the future introduction of brand-new battery-electric trains, which will make journeys greener, more comfortable and reliable for passengers. We’re pleased to report that work is running to schedule ahead of the railway fully reopening on Wednesday, October 28.

“We know there’s never a good time to close the railway, but this work will deliver significant long-term benefits and we're grateful to the public for their continued patience.”

While commuters across Kirkcaldy district can look forward to the return of regular services in a mater of days, businesses in Thornton are braced for the impact a five-month total road closure could have on their passing trade.

The extent of the work means a single lane won’t re-open until March 2027 to allow utility companies to reinstall their services on the bridge before the new road surface is laid. Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work, with a temporary bridge now open.

A huge among of preparatory work has gone into helping residents move in and out of the village, and support local businesses after a huge backl;ash from the community saw Network Rail rethink its original timescale of a 14-month long total closure.

A new “open for business” campaign aims to raise awareness that local shops, cafés, services and other businesses remain open and accessible despite the ongoing railway bridge works affecting travel route. The local authority is working with them and the community to highlight the range of goods and services available in Thornton - and to remind customers that simple alternative routes continue to provide access to the area.

The campaign will also showcase local businesses, encourage residents to shop locally and help sustain the village economy during the period of disruption.

Councillor Altany Craik, spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, said: "Thornton has a strong and resilient business community, and it's important that everyone knows these businesses remain very much open and ready to welcome customers.

"We recognise that the bridge works have created challenges, but Thornton remains accessible and there are many excellent local businesses that continue to provide valuable services to the community.

"By choosing to shop local, people can make a real difference in supporting jobs, protecting businesses and helping the village continue to thrive."

The rail bridge has to come down and then rebuilt up to 30cm higher to accommodate the work electrifying the line.

Following a single lane closure in recent months, the road over the bridge is now shut until March 2027 when one lane will re-open until the project ends next July.

Pamela Stevenson, service manager, economic development, added: "The purpose of this campaign is simple.

“We want to make sure as many people as possible know that Thornton's businesses are open and keen to see customers through their doors.

"There is a fantastic range of independent businesses operating in the village and we want to encourage both existing and new customers to continue supporting them throughout the bridge works.

"Every visit, purchase and recommendation helps local businesses remain strong during this period."

Over the coming weeks and months, the campaign will encourage residents and visitors to continue spending locally and supporting Thornton's economy.

In addition, Fife Council is also urging local traders to take up the offer of targeted financial support through the Business Resilience Support Scheme approved by councillors earlier this year.

That scheme has been developed in recognition of the exceptional and sustained impact the works are expected to have on local businesses, particularly those reliant on passing trade and customer access.

Details of how businesses can access the scheme have been shared directly with those affected.

Businesses interested in finding out more about the ‘Open for Business’ campaign, and the Business Resilience Support Scheme, should contact Fife Council's economic development team via [email protected]