An 8.5-mile stretch of the line will see both trees and vegetation cleared off of the land adjacent to the railway, and also inside the railway boundary in a bid to keep passengers safe and the railway operating efficiently whilst supporting neighbours by reducing lineside risk. Network Rail completed a similar project on the West Highland line earlier this year between Craigendoran and Helensburgh.

Work carried out during the daytime is set to begin on Monday the 5th of September and is expected to take around 19 weeks to complete. The work will also see any noxious and invasive non-native weeds inside the railway corridor treated.

Selective felling or cutting back will take place for trees which are within falling distance of the railway and with an overall aim of leaving a balanced tree canopy. Case by case consideration will be given to all heritage, landscape specimen trees in a bid to retain these trees where ever it is safe to do so.

The project will also see work take place at night in order to clear the trees and vegetation which sits closest to the railway. In order for the work to be carried out as safely as possible, it will need to be carried out when trains are not running. Nightshift dates and times will be available as soon as possible and lineside neighbours also advised.

Environmental surveys have been completed for the area and it has also been inspected for nesting birds and protected species ahead of the work going ahead. Work has also taken place with Network Rail‘s ecologists in order to keep any impact on the environment to an absolute minimum.

Kirsty Armstrong, Scheme Project Manager for the vegetation clearance work said,

“Network Rail manages thousands of miles of trees and vegetation along the railway to maintain safety for passengers and lineside communities and to make sure the railway runs efficiently.

“Our work between Aberdour and Kirkcaldy will create a clear, tree-free corridor either side of the railway to reduce the risks that large trees and overgrown vegetation can pose to the railway.

“Elements of this work are unavoidably at night for safety reasons, however, the teams are always mindful of the impact their work may have and do what they can to minimise this. We want to apologise in advance if anyone is disturbed by the work”.

To find out more or for anybody with questions or concerns about the project, please get in touch with  Network Rail’s 24hr National helpline on 03457 11 41 41.

For further information please visit: https://scotlandsrailway.com/managing-trees-and-vegetation-in-your-area