Network Rail has submitted a planning application to Fife Council for a new bridge as part of the £116m Scottish Government funded Levenmouth Rail Link project. If permission is granted, the new bridge will cross the railway between Kirkland and Mountfleurie, providing a safe crossing point for the local community.

The bridge has been carefully designed with funding provided as part of Fife Council’s upgrade and expansion for active travel routes in the local area and will see the path maintained between Kirkland and Mountfleurie.

Late autumn will see work begin on the bridge and path/cycle routes, which will require a diversion to be put in place whilst the work is carried out. The new bridge is expected to complete prior to the railway opening in the spring of next year.

Local residents are being invited by Network Rail to an informal drop-in event which will provide people with the chance to meet and speak with the project team. The event will feature maps and 3D images in order to show the plans which have been submitted.

The event will take place on Tuesday the 15th of August from  3.30pm to 7.30pm in a gazebo just past the Steelworks Brae adjacent to the walking route where the path leads to the present rail crossing.

The planning application for the new bridge at Mountfleurie can be seen on Fife Council’s webpage via Fife Council’s planning portal ( Application No: 23/02058/FULL). The application is open for public comment as usual.

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.”