‘People power’ forces Network Rail to halt 14-month road closure in Fife town
Network Rail’s plans to close a main road through Thornton for 14 months have been put on hold after the company ran into a huge community backlash.
Over 170 people responded to a “mass drop-in” call at an engagement session in the Town Hall on Thursday night - and a key part of the entire project has now been paused to come up with alternative plans.
The bridge demolition is central to Network Rail’s electrification of the Fife line, but the town was given just a few weeks notice of the closure which would have sent all traffic on a massive detour along the A92 - and had a massive impact on the town.
Network Rail’s engagement was branded “appalling” and a “breach of responsibility” by politicians, and its timetable has now been thrown into doubt by the backlash, and Fife Council’s decision to rescind the traffic order allowing it to close the road. A question mark may also now hang over the timescale to close Bennochy Road in Kirkcaldy - another key route into town. Work is due to start there in May, with the bridge closed to traffic and pedestrians for 12 months.
Martin Gray, head of strategic communications, faced a barrage of criticism and questions at a packed Town Hall - and admitted the company had got its communications and local engagement badly wrong.
Offering an apology for the anxiety caused, he told the crowd: “We have a community clearly expressing significant anxiety and anger at the actions of our organisation. We work every day on your behalf to modernise and invest in the railways. We have got it wrong on this occasion.”
There was particular public anger over a lack of information bus services and the impact on emergency services given the major detours being put in place. Concerns were also expressed over the impact on shops losing all passing trade for 14 months, and the day to day issues it would for residents getting in and out of the town, while there was bewilderment at the decision to divert all agricultural traffic via the Redhouse and Bankhead roundabouts, two of the busiest in the region.
Plans to close the road from May 12 have now been put on hold, and Network Rail faces a major problem coming up with alternative options in order to meet its already scheduled works for October. – and it that deadline is missed, there could be a huge rise in the overall costs.
A huge chunk of the closure centres around the time it will take for utility companies to move all their infrastructure from one side of the bridge to the other - and then back again once a new raised crossing is put in place. They have said they need five months either side, but locals pointed out all the existing utilities were installed without a major road closure - and demanded to know why that couldn’t be done again.
The bridge needs to be raised by up to 40cms to accommodate the network for electrifying the line.
“We have to replace the bridge because there is not enough height to allow us to electrify the line,” said Mr Gray. We want to improve our railway network, but we do not want to cause an adverse impact on your community and business.
“We have been in discussion with Fife Council since September 2025 with an application to close the road. Fife Council has now changed it position.
“We are pausing to reflect where we are and to listen to your concerns and what the council wants to do to make sure there are measures put in place.” He said Network Rail had carried out the same engagement in Thornton as it had done elsewhere but admitted: “What we have heard very strongly is that this is not good enough. It has an impact on the community and local businesses - that is hard to hear.
“We have had a very significant response from the community tonight. I can tell you are angry and frustrated.” Network Rail has a second scheduled community engagement event in Thornton on April 22. It has also pledged to add a third event to keep the community updated with what will happen next.
Local councillors welcomed the delay
Cllr Lynda Holton said: “I am pleased that – in response to pressure from elected representatives and the Community Council – Network Rail has delayed their planned road closure in Thornton. This pause will allow for meaningful engagement with the local community and hopefully a revised plan which will minimise disruption for local residents and businesses.
“It was clear from the turnout at last night's public meeting that this kind of consultation is absolutely vital - and should have been done from the start. Cllr Wilson and I have asked to be on the working group and will continue to represent the community as best we can on this as it progresses.”
Cllr Daniel Wilson added: “Last night showed that we can make a positive impact when we all work together. The Thornton community made Network Rail and Fife Council think again.”
Richard Baker MP, said Network Rail did not fully understand the level of impact on the community of the closure. The push back of the start date is very welcome.”