Network Rail has submitted the planning applications for the development of new stations at Cameron Bridge and Leven as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link project.
It is the latest milestone in the development and delivery of the project that will reconnect the local community to the mainline rail network after a gap of more than half a century.
Proposals for Cameron Bridge detail plans for a two-platform station with footbridge and lifts, waiting shelters and ticket machines. It outlines a car park area that will initially offer 125 spaces with a contingency to grow to more than 300 spaces should anticipated demand materialise.
The plan for Leven will see a station with a 210metre island platform accessed on the level – eliminating the need for a footbridge and lifts. Although it includes some parking, the design of walkaways enables direct connectivity to the High Street, to the promenade as well as to the bus station to prioritise transport interchange and use of enhanced active travel routes.
Ahead of submitting the planning applications, more than 300 local people took the chance to go along to Network Rail hosted community events in Methilhill and Leven to enable the community to see the plans for the stations, offer their views and ask questions direct to the project team.
Lisa Cameron, Network Rail’s planning lead for the station developments said: “We are delighted that local people are taking a great interest in the plans for the stations and the enthusiasm and positivity around the project is fantastic.
“The submission of the planning applications for the station developments is another massive step forward on the road to putting Leven and Cameron Bridge back on the railway map and it is great to see so many local people engaging with the development.
“Securing planning permission for the developments will enable us to then focus fully on the delivery of the stations that will be the gateway to the network for communities that have been denied access to the railway for more than fifty years.”
Following the submission of the applications to Fife Council, the applications will be open for review and comment as part of the normal statutory planning process.
Network Rail is encouraging everyone who has shared their opinions and aspirations for the station developments to formally record their views by visiting the Council’s planning portal and submitting comments.
Following successful completion of a range of preparatory activities the project to deliver the new Levenmouth Rail kicked off in March 2022.
Work includes:
- 19 single track kilometres of new / reinstated railway. (Fully double tracked railway)
- Two new modern accessible stations
- Electrification of the line
- Work with partners to optimise interchange options connecting stations
- Opportunities in freight and tourist/charter connections
The investment value of the project is £116.6m
The programme is scheduled to complete in Spring 2024
Current Status:
Work to upgrade Thornton North Junction was completed during a line closure on Sunday 6th March. This enabled the connection onto what will be the Levenmouth branch line.
The project has completed the first mile of track, which has now been commissioned and being used to support construction of the subsequent phases of work on the project
Current work to the west of the route includes fencing, re-profiling of embankments, drainage and cabling and track works. Bridge works are ongoing along the length of the rail corridor.
- Diversion of utilities has started on the Leven bridge and it is anticipated that preparatory work on the (Bawbee) Leven bridge will get underway in October/November to prepare for closing the road in early 2023.
Photo credit: Network Rail
