First phase of work set to start on Levenmouth rail link

Engineers will be carrying out vegetation clearance and site survey and geological investigations to inform the development of the project, which will see the reinstatement of 19 single track kilometres of railway and two new modern accessible stations.

As part of the Scottish Government’s rail decarbonisation agenda, the line will also be prepared for future electrification.

Ahead of work starting Network Rail has undertaken all necessary environmental and ecological surveys. Where any species have been identified, appropriate methods of working are in place to safeguard species, roosts and habitats of value.

This phase of work will also include surveying, drilling boreholes, sampling ballast and extracting core samples to assess the condition of the ground under the railway. A variety of equipment including boring rigs, and drills will be used all along the line with work ongoing until early 2021.

Graeme Stewart of Network Rail’s Levenmouth project team said: “Although still at a very early stage, it is fantastic to see work happening literally preparing the ground and to inform the design of the line.

“We have been working on developing a range of options which will define what the project looks like and how it is delivered and, as part of this, we have been meeting with and listening to local groups and organisations in the area.

“The development and delivery of the project will be in discreet phases with the first visible work; removal of vegetation to enable site and geological investigation SI/GI the start of a process which will culminate on the community once again having access to the mainline rail network.

“As well as the promise of better connectivity this scale of investment to improve our transport infrastructure will help to deliver benefits to the economy. It will act as an enabler for growth, provide better access to employment and education opportunities and expanded social and leisure options for people all across the area.”

The news has been welcomed by local MSP David Torrance.

He said: “I have stood with the Levenmouth Rail Campaign for many years as they have tirelessly campaigned for the re-instatement of the Levenmouth rail link and I know that they, more than most, will be delighted to see this first phase get underway.

“The railway link will have a huge effect on the local area, improving business activity, expanding tourism and easing access to facilities such as hospitals and further and higher education institutions, to name only a few of the benefits.

“I look forward to seeing the progress of this preparatory work and the continuing development of the project.”