With 100 days to go until the return of rail services to Levenmouth, Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop today (Friday, February 23) switched on an official countdown clock at Edinburgh Waverley to mark the milestone.
Countdown clocks were also unveiled at the new stations in Leven and Cameron Bridge, ahead of ScotRail services starting on June 2, with the help of local school pupils from Parkhill, Mountfleurie and Methilhill.
The Scottish Government-funded £116m Levenmouth Rail Link project will see a new six-mile double-tracked line reconnect the Fife communities to the railway after a gap of 55 years.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, said: “It’s great to be here at Waverley Station and to start the 100-day countdown marking the return of passenger rail services to Cameron Bridge and Leven. The opening of the line will bring real opportunities to communities, businesses, and visitors, in the Levenmouth and the wider Fife area.
“The two new stations will reduce the need for car travel and in doing so contribute to the wider decarbonisation of transport. The active travel links to the stations will encourage more walking, wheeling, and cycling which makes for healthier lifestyles.
“This Scottish Government investment of over £116m demonstrates our commitment to enhancing public transport links.”
Alex Hynes, Scotland’s Railway managing director, said: “Levenmouth is currently the largest urban area in Scotland without a railway and I am really looking forward to seeing trains back serving these communities.
“The new railway will improve connectivity and provide people with real choices, unlocking greater access to education, entertainment and employment while creating opportunities for inward investment in Levenmouth.”
Engineers are continuing to work across the six-mile rail corridor that runs from the existing railway at Thornton Junction to Leven - reconnecting the town to the mainline network for the first time since 1969.
The two new stations will be fully accessible with car parking, electric vehicle charging points and links to the local bus network.
The countdown clocks at Leven and Cameron Bridge were unveiled by local school children, with Councillors Colin Davidson and Eugene Clarke representing the local area committee alongside John Mitchell, head of Fife Council’s roads and transportation service, and Joe Mulvenna, project manager for Network Rail (see photo below).
Councillor Davidson, convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, added: “I’m hugely delighted to help mark yet another important milestone for the Levenmouth Rail Link project.
“It’s a great testament to everyone involved in getting the rail link re-opened that we’re now just 100 days away from seeing passenger services return to this area for the first time in well over 50 years.
“Many people maybe thought the day would never come, but this link will not only enhance connectivity but will also stimulate economic growth and provide greater opportunities for everyone living in this area.
“I think we’re all eagerly anticipating the positive impact it will have on the Levenmouth area and beyond.”
The photo below also shows the team with local youngsters at Cameron Bridge.
A video from Network Rail highlighting the milestone can be viewed on our YouTube channel here.
