Levenmouth Rail Link is a huge project that will reconnect communities in Levenmouth in Fife to the railway for the first time in over 50 years.
It will mean more education, culture, work and leisure opportunities for local people when the route opens on Sunday 2 June.
The £116m Scottish government-funded project has become much bigger since its announcement in 2019.
It now involves even more investment to make the line fully electric – helping Scotland’s Railway edge closer to its target of net zero carbon by 2045.
The line has changed from single track to six miles of double track, making room for more trains for you and freight.
Martin McKinlay, sponsor for the Levenmouth Rail Link at Network Rail, said: “The new line will improve the social and economic outlook for local people and the railway has the potential to transform lives and communities.”
Recent milestones
January
We tested the signalling system and brought it into use. It meant drivers could start training on the new route.
February – 100 days to go
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop switched on an official countdown clock at Edinburgh Waverley to mark the landmark 100 days to go until the reopening of the line.
Countdown clocks were also unveiled at the new railway stations in Leven and Cameron Bridge to mark this exciting milestone.
March
We started building a footbridge over the Levenmouth railway at Duniface. It’s the first of three bridges that would sit on the line.
We even amended the bridge’s design to minimise the loss of trees after listening to concerns from the local community.
April – 50 days to go
Scotland’s Railway teamed up with East Fife Community Football Club to create the Levenmouth Football Tournament.
With just 50 days to go until the railway returns in Levenmouth, the tournament was announced to go ahead on Monday 6 May at the MGM Timber Bayview Stadium – home of East Fife Football Club – in Leven.
Joe Mulvenna, project manager for the Levenmouth Rail Link at Network Rail, spoke of the importance of the event. He said: “Having this sports event in the lead up to the opening of the Levenmouth Rail Link means we can engage with members of the local community to further raise awareness among young people of the importance of rail safety while providing a sports programme that encourages physical activity, health and well-being.”
Also in April, Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North-East Fife, visited the site of the new Leven station to see first-hand the substantial progress since her previous visit in October 2022.
Wendy said: “The progress that has been made in those 18 months is astonishing and the site has been completely transformed to what is now an operational railway station with the supporting infrastructure – car park, access roads and electric vehicle charging all nearing completion.”
