Network Rail have hosted MP Wendy Chamberlain during a site visit to their £116m Levenmouth Rail Link, to meet the team and find out more about the latest progress that has been made.

The North-East Fife MP visited the site of what will be the new Leven station and observed work to deliver scour protection at a location where the infrastructure sits close to the adjacent river.

The opportunity to visit the site offers visitors a different perspective on the infrastructure that will be built and the scale of the task and to find out more about the challenge ahead for the project team.

Early progress has seen the completion of the first section of rail to the west of the route at Thornton junction - which has now entered into service as operational railway and is supporting the delivery of subsequent activity.

The project team is currently working at sites all along the line, including on the second mile track section, at a number of structures, reprofiling embankments and to deliver flood and scour protection at various points on the route.

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It is also anticipated that work to strengthen the Leven Rail (Bawbee) bridge on behalf of Fife Council will get underway in the coming months – subject to planning permission for the diversionary route being agreed.

Completion of the branch line in Spring 2024 will see trains call at Cameron Bridge and Leven stations for the first time since 1969.

Wendy Chamberlain MP said: "I was delighted to be able to take the opportunity to visit the Rail Link site, meet the project team and get a different perspective on the work that is happening to reinstate the railway.

"When the railway is complete, it will make this area more attractive for inward investment and provide a timely boost to the local economy.

"Connecting local people to employment and education opportunities out-with the area is one important benefit of the project. But the line will also bring people into the area for social and leisure purposes, boosting tourism and supporting the local economy

"I really enjoyed my time on site with the project team and look forward to returning in the near future to see continued progress towards making this long campaigned for line a reality for the local community."

Martin McKinlay, Network Rail sponsor for the Levenmouth Rail Link said: "It was great to welcome the local MP to site and to have the chance to show real and tangible progress in the delivery of the project.

"As well as achieving significant milestone like submitting planning applications for the stations, there is a lot happening on site and a real feeling of excitement and momentum building around the project

"The new line will improve the social and economic outlook for people in nearby communities and its great being part of a project that has the potential to transform the lives of local people and the communities the railway will serve."