Roadworks on the Leven Railway Bridge are proposed to be lifted over the festive period, making access to the town centre easier for all.
Companies have been carrying out crucial diversion work in the Bawbee Bridge area and, following discussions with Fife Council, they have agreed to suspend works over the Christmas and New Year period to support local businesses.
Utility providers are currently targeting temporary removal for Friday, 9th December, before returning on Thursday, 5th January, 2023, at the earliest.
All parties involved have been working to keep delays to a minimum since traffic management measures were introduced earlier this year, although their removal will ensure some construction-free weeks in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.
Confirmation of the festive embargo comes after a difficult week for Leven’s business community following a serious fire in the High Street, and it is hoped the commitment to remove the traffic lights over this period will provide some respite for those concerned.
Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, said: “Christmas is always a busy time of year, especially for local businesses, so we hope this commitment by utility providers working in the area will help people plan ahead.
“While we all know the roadworks are unavoidable as part of the wider huge investment in the Leven Railway Bridge and the Levenmouth Rail Link, I’m delighted that the Council has been able to work with its partners to bring about this reprieve and get traffic moving as freely as possible at such an important time.
“As convener, I’d like to thank business leaders for their commitment to their employees and businesses at this hugely challenging time.”
Councillor Eugene Clarke, vice-convener of the Levenmouth Area Committee, added: "I've spoken to many Levenmouth businesses recently and while they all welcome the coming of our railway they have also expressed serious concerns about the impact of the road closures on footfall.
“Many are looking to the lead up to Christmas to help them survive the next few months and would really like the works to be suspended for this period.
“As a former leader of the rail campaign I'm as keen as anyone for the work to be completed but we need to ensure our core community's businesses can survive."
