Construction is set to commence next week on the River Park Routes project, an ambitious initiative to create a high-quality, fully accessible shared path network alongside the River Leven in Levenmouth.

This development will link the area's new rail stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge, significantly boosting active travel options for locals and visitors alike.

The project will see the creation of a new four-metre-wide off-road path within the river valley. This route will provide crucial connections through the proposed River Park area, extend across the river, link to the new stations and rail line crossings, and integrate with Levenmouth's broader on-road active travel network.

Beyond the pathways, the improvements include new lighting, railings, and seated rest areas. The natural environment will also be enhanced with new native trees, shrubs, hedgerows, and wildflower planting.

The River Park Routes project is part of the larger Levenmouth Connectivity Project Active Travel Network, a collaborative effort between Fife Council and Green Action Trust as part of the wider Leven Programme. It's expected to deliver substantial benefits for walkers, wheelers, and cyclists.

To minimise disruption, the route will be built in phases. The public should be aware that some sections of the path network will be temporarily closed, with diversions put in place where feasible.

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Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, highlighted the significance of the investment. "Levenmouth is a key regeneration focus of Fife Council and the rail link and its associated programmes have brought over £150 million of direct investment to the Levenmouth area, which is fantastic," he said.

Councillor Davidson added: "The River Park Route facilitates accessible off-road paths for walking, cycling, and wheeling. This route will link the Leven and Cameron Bridge stations, along with rail crossings, and integrate with the broader Active Travel Network (on-road). These connections will extend to surrounding communities through key bridges at Duniface and Mountfleurie. These will be high quality enhancements and we're looking forward to seeing the plans come to fruition over the coming months."

The initial phases of work are scheduled to begin in the week commencing Monday, 23 June 2025. This will start at the west of the site (Poplar Road) and progress eastwards towards Bawbee Bridge/Leven Train Station. These first phases are anticipated to be completed in early 2026.

One smaller phase will focus on an area to the east side of the River Leven site, near Elm Park. Another initial phase will concentrate on the stretch between Kirkland Walk and Oakvale Road, continuing eastwards to the north of Mulberry Crescent, linking with Mountfleurie to the east. This phase will conclude at the live consent for a new active travel bridge at Mountfleurie, connecting with Sawmill Bridge, adjacent to Methilhaven Road.

Helen McCafferty, Green Action Trust Project Manager, expressed her excitement for the project. "Green Action Trust and its partners who are working on the River Park Project are excited to see that work is starting on the Levenmouth Connectivity Project which will link residential areas and allow communities along the River Leven to access the river and the River Park," she commented.

"The River Park will be an accessible, attractive and nature-rich space for the people of Levenmouth and its visitors. We're excited that Fife Council's new shared access path will allow people to reach the River Park by walking, cycling, and other active travel means — helping to create a quiet, tranquil space for everyone to enjoy."

Fife Council's Cabinet Committee approved the River Park Routes element of the wider Levenmouth Connectivity Project in January, at an estimated cost of £6.118m. The delivery will be managed through the council's Road Maintenance and Civil Engineering Minor Works Framework. The River Park Routes boundary site runs adjacent to the River Leven, from Methilhill, along Poplar Road, and east to Methil, concluding at Bawbee Bridge.