Work has begun to remove old disused track and infrastructure on the former branch line.

Last month it was confirmed that the line will be double tracked and electrified and the location of the stations were announced.

Clearance work is taking place between Thornton Junction and Leven between now and the end of August.

A team of 10-12 people will be working to remove the track using an excavator and trailer.

The project to remove the life expired infrastructure is the most significant work to date, with work on the construction of the new lines expected early 2022 once the old track and ballast have been removed.

The equipment that is being removed is being itemised and will be offered to heritage railways. It is hoped that all the items removed will be recycled and used within a railway environment, either a heritage line or on the construction of the new line.

While this work is being carried out, the railway corridor will be open for leisure purposes with measures in place to separate the public from the moving work site.

Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail project manager for the Levenmouth Rail link said; “This is the most significant phase of preparatory work so far on the project and we are literally clearing the way for the start of construction early next year.

“While clearing the old track breaks a link with the past, its important that we can re-use and recycle the redundant assets for use on heritage railways and some can be repurposed for the new line.

“We are doing what we can to minimise any disruption from this work and so we can continue to enable people to enjoy using the railway corridor for leisure purposes. We will have measures in place to manage the work safely but we do ask that everyone exercise caution while we carry out this work.”

Where Next?

RAILADVENT NEWS
The latest railway news
RailAdvent Plus
Railway Discounts, 4k Video, pictures and more!
FREE NEWSLETTERS
Signup to our daily and weekly newsletters
RAILADVENT SHOP
Railway Prints, DVD’s / Blu-Ray’s, books and more
LOCOSTOP COMMUNITY
Come and share your railway pictures
UK STEAM INFO
Upcoming mainline steam tours/loco movements
NETWORK RAIL
Visit their website