Work to replace the bridge over the railway at Thornton, enabling future line electrification, is moving into its next stage. From Monday 19 October, the bridge will close to all traffic for approximately six months.

Local road diversions will operate throughout, alongside free shuttle buses. Taxis will be available for residents with mobility needs living to the south of the bridge.

The scheme forms part of a £311.5m investment to modernise Fife's rail network, introducing new battery-electric trains and boosting capacity, reliability and accessibility while cutting carbon emissions.

Network Rail has written to residents and local businesses with details of the closure, diversion routes and public transport arrangements.

John Mitchell, Head of Roads and Transportation Services, said: "We have been working with Network Rail, and bus and taxi operators, to ensure that this full closure of the road has the minimum impact on the local population.

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"We understand that this is a significant disruption on a busy road but we have tried to mitigate these impacts as best we can. I'd like to thank everyone affected for their patience and understanding while this necessary work goes ahead."

Earlier this year, the programme was adjusted to keep the road open for longer via single-lane working and to delay and shorten the full closure period. This aimed to protect key local priorities including pedestrian and disabled access, public transport, safe routes to school and reduced business impact.

Key milestones in the programme are:

- 19 October 2026 – Full road closure begins

- 24–28 October 2026 – Railway closure for bridge demolition and installation

- 31 March 2027 – One lane reopens as works continue

- 9 July 2027 – Works complete

Michael McArthur, project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: "The Fife Electrification project is part of a £311.5m investment to modernise the network and deliver increased capacity, reliability and accessibility while reducing carbon emissions.

"We know this work will be disruptive and we apologise for the inconvenience. We are grateful to the local community for their involvement and feedback. The investment being made now will help ensure the railway continues to serve communities across Fife for decades to come."

Further details on the closure, diversion routes, shuttle bus timetables and school transport are available at scotlandsrailway.com/projects/thornton