Network Rail has announced that the active travel bridge connecting Methilhill to the new Cameron Bridge station will not be in place for the opening of the new line. It made the announcement after the company building the structure went into administration.
It was scheduled to be craned into position in mid-May and would have connected to the various active travel paths under construction, crossing the river and enabling direct access into the station.
Following discussions with the administrator to release the part-built structure, and with the need to source a new supplier to complete the bridge, Network Rail has confirmed that it will now be in place in autumn.
It is working with Fife Council’s planning team to progress the installation of the bridge in the shortest possible timeframe.
In addition, the railway team and the council are working to create an alternative walking route from Methilhill to the new station at Cameron Bridge with the aim of opening before passengers services begin on Sunday 2 June.
Tommy McPake, senior programme manager, Network Rail, said: “We have had productive discussions with the administrators with a view to securing the release of the bridge components and finding an alternative supplier to get the structure completed.
“At the same time, we have been liaising with Fife Council to look at establishing a direct walking route to the station in advance of it opening in June.
“We will continue to work with the council planning team and local stakeholders to get the bridge installed as soon as possible.
“While this is a really disappointing situation, it’s unfortunately beyond our control. We will work with our partners to resolve this issue and not let it detract from the growing excitement around the return of the passenger railway after more than five decades.”
