Levenmouth rail link plans unveiled

The return of rail services to Levenmouth moved a step closer today with confirmation by Scottish Government Transport Minister, Graeme Dey, that the line would be double tracked and electrified.

Mr Dey was speaking during a visit to Leven where he also announced the options being taken forward for the locations for Leven and Cameron Bridge Stations.

The Leven Station is to be located behind the Leisure Centre and Cameron Bridge Station will be to the east of the A915. The options were confirmed following detailed development work as well as stakeholder consultation for the new rail link.

Network Rail has been commissioned to design and construct the Levenmouth rail link. The project costs will be confirmed with Final Business Case, expected towards the end of this year.

And while the line will be electrified with overhead wires, services will be operated initially by battery electric units in order to reduce the number of diesels operating on the network as early as possible.

Project timescales will depend on Fife Council planning processes, subject to which the line should be open in 2024.

Mr Dey said:

“I’m pleased to confirm that we plan to double track and electrify the Levenmouth rail link and also open two new stations. This will ensure local communities can benefit from improved connectivity and sustainable travel options.

“Our Programme for Government made a commitment to decarbonising Scotland’s Railway and growth in rail use is an essential part of decarbonising the total transport mix. Investment in sustainable transport must be front and centre when deciding on future priorities.

“This scheme will see the re-opening of the disused rail line between Thornton junction and Leven, providing new passenger rail services to connect the Levenmouth area to Fife, Edinburgh, and the wider rail network.

“I look forward to seeing this exciting project get underway in the coming months and would like to thank everyone involved in getting it to this stage.”

[jamesdouglasjamiesonharrow]

I am very interested in the progress of the line renewal as I worked on this section of line from Thornton to St Andrews and round to Methil, up till it closed, keep posting the progress as it goes on, Thank you.

[earljohnson]

I am glad this is happening. Even though I am not a Scottish resident, but glad to knoe that you are getting your railway back.

[jamesdouglasjamiesonharrow]

I hope that the new railway at Leven is patronised more than the old railway as a retired 90 year old man that worked on that section of track up till it closed, people would rather come out there house jump in car, Edinburgh and Glasgow people were the ones that used the line for their holidays then trains would run empty most of the year.

[robertduncan]

What’s the 2023 update position please ?

[RRguy]

Typical political speech...much ado about nothing. Hope the railroad project is not the disapppointment as this video was