Network Rail has proposed the development of a new bridge for Kirkland and Mountfleurie, in a planning application submitted to Fife Council.

It will provide a safe crossing point over the new £116m Scottish Government-funded railway, which connects Levenmouth to the rail network for the first time in over 50 years.

The structure has been designed and funded as part of Fife Council's upgrade and expansion of active travel routes in the area and will maintain the path between Kirkland and Mountfleurie.

Construction will begin on the bridge and supporting path/cycle routes in late autumn and there will be a diversion route will be in place during this time.

It's anticipated that the completed structure will be complete and open ahead of the opening of the railway in spring 2024.

Network Rail is inviting local residents to an informal community drop-in event where people can speak with the project team and discuss any queries they may have. Maps and 3D images will be available so people can see the current visuals, as per the planning submission.

-- Advertisement --

The event will take place from 3:30pm to 7:30pm on Tuesday 15 August adjacent to the walking route impacted by the closure and on the site of the new bridge. It will be held in a gazebo situated just past Steelworks Brae where the path leads to the current railway crossing.

Martin McKinlay, senior sponsor for Network Rail said: "We've been working closely with Fife Council to develop a plan which means people can still cross the railway at this well-used crossing point.

"The proposals come at a time when people locally can see the railway becoming a reality. The track is now in place through this location and is moving closer to the site of the new Leven Station.

"Our attention can now turn to how we enable people to safely cross the railway in the future and the intention is to have this structure in place prior to the railway opening.

"Given that this is such a significant structure, we know that there will be some disruption during its construction as the path will need to close. This is to allow the work to be delivered safely and we will do what we can to minimise any inconvenience."

Fife Council has secured funding for the development of the Levenmouth active travel network from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund.

Further support has been received from the Scottish Government via Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme administered by Sustrans.

This crossing is a key part of the network and it makes sense for the work to be delivered as part of the scope of the wider Rail Link project.

The planning application for the new bridge at Mountfleurie is now live on Fife Council's webpage and can be viewed on Fife Council's planning portal (Application No: 23/02058/FULL) and is open for public comment as per the standard planning process.