Levenmouth rail link to reopen: project updates

[Boff]

Does anyone know what type of junction will be installed for car access into Cameron Bridge Station?

Sorry if I didn't quite get what your looking for - but if you're asking for the road junction at the entrance to the car park, it's going to be a simple T-junction off the A915. Here's the layout plan for Cameroon Bridge as well:

 

[InOban]

Public consultation shapes exciting new timetable for Fife, Tay Cities, and Leven

A number of timetable improvements for customers in and around Fife and the Tay Cities are set to be introduced in June this year after more than 700 responses to a public consultation. ScotRail held the consultation in September last year on a series of proposed improvements for services...

www.scotrail.co.uk

Press about the new Fife timetable incorporating the Levenmouth services

 

[numtot12345]

Sorry if I didn't quite get what your looking for - but if you're asking for the road junction at the entrance to the car park, it's going to be a simple T-junction off the A915. Here's the layout plan for Cameroon Bridge as well:

Thank you - yes that's exactly what I'm looking for.

 

[swt_passenger]

Sorry if I didn't quite get what your looking for - but if you're asking for the road junction at the entrance to the car park, it's going to be a simple T-junction off the A915. Here's the layout plan for Cameroon Bridge as well:

Although it’s fortunately not the cheapest possible T junction, as they are providing a decent size right turn lane for northbound traffic.

 

[snowball]

The Trackwatch page in the April Modern Railways has a description of the branch. For example the single lead from Thornton North Junction is 60 chains long. Despite the closure of foot crossings towards the western end, and the construction of a farm underpass, one user-worked crossing remains. Approaching Leven station there are of course a pair of crossovers. The text says the trailing crossover is to the west of the facing one but the accompanying diagram shows them the other way round. On the basis of photographs I've seen, I think the text is correct.

Confirmed on the letters page of the May issue.

 

[overthewater]

Although it’s fortunately not the cheapest possible T junction, as they are providing a decent size right turn lane for northbound traffic.

That to help for when the new bus service starts.

 

[snowball]

Press release

Alternative walking route proposed following Levenmouth bridge delay

The active travel bridge connecting Methilhill to the new Cameron Bridge station will not be in place for the opening of the new line as the company building the structure has gone into administration.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

The active travel bridge connecting Methilhill to the new Cameron Bridge station will not be in place for the opening of the new line as the company building the structure has gone 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 the need to source a new supplier to complete the bridge, it will now be in place in autumn.

Network Rail 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.”

 

[och aye]

Time capsules have been buried at both stations by pupils from the local primary schools.

Video: https://fast.wistia.net/embed/iframe/xf520pjfh7

Fife Primary schools make history on new Levenmouth stations

Two Fife Primary schools made their own little bit of history by burying time capsules at the new Cameron Bridge and Leven stations.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Fife Primary schools make history on new Levenmouth stations​

Two Fife Primary schools made their own little bit of history by burying time capsules at the new Cameron Bridge and Leven stations.

Children from all year groups at Methilhill Primary were invited by Network Rail to collect and create items for their time capsule which was buried at Cameron Bridge to mark the completion of the new station.

Similarly, pupils at Parkhill Primary collated contents for their version before it was buried in the grounds at Leven station.

As well as seeing the new station facilities, the children spoke to members of the project team about the construction of the stations and the new railway as it gears up for opening on June 2.

Pupils were joined by Fife MSPs, Jenny Gilruth and David Torrance, for the time capsule ceremony which marked 25 days until the return of passenger services on the new Fife rail route.

 

[snowball]

Official opening to be by Swinney on 29 May:

First Minister to lead Levenmouth opening | Transport Scotland

www.transport.gov.scot

First Minister to lead Levenmouth opening

The return of rail services to Levenmouth for the first time in more than five decades will be celebrated with an official opening led by First Minister John Swinney.

The First Minister confirmed the events during a preview visit to Cameron Bridge station today (Friday 10 May), where he also met some of the project delivery team, as well as young graduates employed on the project.

The official opening will take place on 29 May as part of a series of special events involving members of the local community.

The First Minister said:

"I am delighted that we are marking this much-anticipated milestone – the return of passenger rail services for the people of Levenmouth - by putting the community at the heart of the celebrations.

"Local communities have waited more than five decades for this, and it is fitting that those who have campaigned passionately for the reinstatement of the line are able to play a full part in the celebrations.

“This important project is part of a programme of major transport investment in the area by the Scottish Government and our partners. It will also bring wider economic and social benefits – providing improved access to education, culture, entertainment, and employment, as well as making the area more attractive to new business and investment.

“I very much look forward to joining the community to celebrate this historic occasion on opening day.”

The £116 million project, funded by the Scottish Government, includes two brand new accessible stations and 19 kilometres of track, connecting Leven to Thornton Junction on the East Coast Mainline.

It forms part of the wider Levenmouth Reconnected investment programme, which aims to deliver greater social inclusion and sustainable economic growth for the area.

The historic opening celebrations will take place on Wednesday 29th May, where special guests from across the community will join the First Minister onboard the inaugural passenger journey along the route. Leven and Cameron Bridge stations will then play host to events to mark the occasion.

The programme of celebrations also includes a Golden Ticket Day on Saturday 1st June for people who have played a pivotal role with the railway, both past and present.

ScotRail services will begin operating on the new railway from Sunday 2nd June.

Liam Sumpter, Managing Director of Network Rail Scotland, said:

“The successful completion of this project is a tremendous achievement for Scotland’s Railway and one which will make a real difference to the communities the line will serve.

“I’m delighted to see local people being given the chance to help lead the celebrations to mark the line’s opening. I look forward to welcoming our newest customers to our railway.”

Joanne Maguire, ScotRail Managing Director, said:

“Everyone at ScotRail is incredibly excited for the historic reopening of the Levenmouth rail link and to be part of the official opening celebrations with the local community and those who have delivered these new rail services for Fife.

“The new stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge will deliver opportunities for local people, unlocking access to education, culture, entertainment, and employment options, as well attracting new business and investment.”

A number of local events and activities are also being planned to celebrate the rail link’s reopening, and more details of those will be revealed in the coming days and weeks.

Fife Council Leader Councillor David Ross said:

“A lot of hard work by many people has gone in to get to this stage and we’re all delighted to see passenger services return to Levenmouth after more than five decades.

“The official opening will of course be historic for the area and Fife in general, and it’s really just the beginning of an exciting new era for this part of the world.

“This will be truly transformational in many ways, not only in terms of improving connectivity but also when it comes to improving access to employment, education, health and leisure opportunities among others.”

 

[bleeder4]

I've booked on a railtour to Leven with two Class 50s on 26th August (the Bank Holiday). I'm assuming this will be the first loco-hauled passenger train along the line?

 

[LUYMun]

Not since at least 1969, so perhaps the first in 55 years. Better still, possibly the first new bit of track haulage for the 50s to venture onto!

 

[och aye]

The First Minister has officially opened the railway today.

Levenmouth Rail Link officially opened | Fife Council

www.fife.gov.uk

Communities in Fife were celebrating today as they marked the official opening of the Levenmouth railway by First Minister John Swinney.

Over 300 guests from the local community and those involved in the project joined the First Minister on a specially wrapped train to travel from Waverley to Leven for a plaque unveiling.

Guests then travelled to Cameron Bridge for a welcome reception to mark the return of rail services for the first time in more than 50 years.

The First Minister said: “Many people have long waited for the return of rail service to Levenmouth and I am delighted to be part of the open celebrations.

“The local volunteers from the Levenmouth Rail Campaign group should be immensely proud of this historic achievement of reinstating rail connections for the community.

“This rail link exemplifies the Scottish Government’s commitment to investing in our public services, growing our economy, taking climate action and investing in key areas that will help eradicate child poverty. By improving access to leisure, economic, employment and educational opportunities, alongside improving the connectivity to and from the area for residents, visitors and businesses, this rail link will help transform the lives of families and young people in the area.”

Fife Council Leader Councillor David Ross said: “A lot of hard work by many people has gone in to get to this stage and we’re all delighted to see passenger services return to Levenmouth after more than five decades.

“The official opening will of course be historic for the area and Fife in general, and it’s really just the beginning of an exciting new era for this part of the world.

“This will be truly transformational in many ways, not only in terms of improving connectivity but also when it comes to improving access to employment, education, health and leisure opportunities among others.”

 

[trei2k]

Does anyone know when BRfares will have fare data for Leven? There is nothing showing at the moment, but there are fares showing on the ScotRail website.

Kirkcaldy to Leven is £4.90 off-peak return / £3.70 anytime single.

 

[jamieintercity]

Geoff marshall just upload a video of the line on YouTube. Looks as if piles/mast bases have now been installed at cameron bridge and spotted a further few around 9mins on the video. Surely all the piles/mast bases are now installed along the line and perhaps a few in the Thornton junction area?

 

[onlyspaceghost]

Is anyone planning on going up to visit the station when it opens? Is it interesting? I've never been to a station opening before

 

[Ianigsy]

They must have had that plaque run off quickly- I half expected to see “Opened by Hamza Yousaf John Swinney MSP”!

 

[rower40]

Is anyone planning on going up to visit the station when it opens? Is it interesting? I've never been to a station opening before

Gratuitous use of bagpipes is a safe bet.

 

[Rail Ranger]

The Scotsman's take on yesterday's train.
"Why the first Levenmouth rail line train ride in 55 years was an unexpected delight - Alastair Dalton"
https://www.scotsman.com/news/trans...a-holiday-destination-alastair-dalton-4646154
A very positive take on the reopened line.

 

[mangyiscute]

Is anyone planning on going up to visit the station when it opens? Is it interesting? I've never been to a station opening before

I went to Reading Green Park since it's local to me, it was pretty fun but nothing crazy happened, I'd say go to one if you think you'd be interested but it's not worth travelling too far for, wait until there's a new station in your local area.

My next one will be hopefully the first EWR service out of Oxford, which should be a much bigger event.

 

[dcsprior]

Gratuitous use of bagpipes is a safe bet.

I know a few pipers and drummers who play with Methil & District. They played at it.

I've piped at many things in my lifetime, but a railway station opening is still on my list of things to tick off.

 

[NorthEastern]

Trains used to run to Glenrothes via both Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline. In practise you could stay on at Glenrothes and travel "around the loop".

My mate and i did that for a fun evening out on a June evening for a couple of summers. Loco hauled to boot!

 

[mangyiscute]

Trains used to run to Glenrothes via both Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline. In practise you could stay on at Glenrothes and travel "around the loop".

Still do on Sundays - I did this back in Feb! Was also helpful for the woman near me who got on going the wrong way

 

[Sir Felix Pole]

I know a few pipers and drummers who play with Methil & District. They played at it.

I've piped at many things in my lifetime, but a railway station opening is still on my list of things to tick off.

'See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!' followed by a cold collation buffet?

 

[D6130]

'See the Conqu'ring Hero Comes!' followed by a cold collation buffet?

No....'Scotland the Brave' followed by deep-fried haggis and chips, with deep-fried Mars Bars™ for dessert and champagne flutes filled with Irn Bru™.

 

[andythebrave]

No....'Scotland the Brave' followed by deep-fried haggis and chips, with deep-fried Mars Bars™ for dessert and champagne flutes filled with Irn Bru™.

I'll have some of that; thank you.

 

[David Stewart]

Still do on Sundays - I did this back in Feb! Was also helpful for the woman near me who got on going the wrong way

Not any more from this Sunday, 2nd June the service via Kirkcaldy now goes to Leven rather than Glenrothes. The Glenrothes via Dunfermline now terminates at Glenrothes and returns same route.

 

[Purple Train]

Not any more from this Sunday, 2nd June the service via Kirkcaldy now goes to Leven rather than Glenrothes. The Glenrothes via Dunfermline now terminates at Glenrothes and returns same route.

How, then, would one be able to travel Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes? Looking it up on NRE states that one has to change at Inverkeithing, and that no fare is available; surely that cannot be right? It's not Catford to Catford Bridge: it's a perfectly viable journey!

 

[najaB]

How, then, would one be able to travel Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes? Looking it up on NRE states that one has to change at Inverkeithing, and that no fare is available; surely that cannot be right? It's not Catford to Catford Bridge: it's a perfectly viable journey!

I just looked it up for tomorrow and it says to change at Markinch.

 

[InOban]

How, then, would one be able to travel Kirkcaldy to Glenrothes? Looking it up on NRE states that one has to change at Inverkeithing, and that no fare is available; surely that cannot be right? It's not Catford to Catford Bridge: it's a perfectly viable journey!

Presumably by bus. I would have thought that almost all train traffic is to and from Edinburgh.

 

[najaB]

Presumably by bus. I would have thought that almost all train traffic is to and from Edinburgh.

Or, as noted above, by changing at Markinch: