Major step in completion of active travel bridge on new Scotland railway line

A new Active Travel bridge over the Levenmouth railway at Duniface has moved a step closer to completion after the main sections of the bridge were craned into position.

The new bridge is an active travel bridge over the Levenmouth Rail Link and is visible from nearby communities.

At 144 metres long and standing 15 metres above the railway and the River Leven, it is already a significant landmark in the area.

Using a giant 750-tonne crane, it took four days to lift the bridge into position.

When complete it will replace Swaine’s bridge, the current bridge over the river, and carry the core path between the communities of Methilhill and Kennoway.

Two more bridges are also to be constructed along the six-mile length of the new Levenmouth Rail Link rail link, creating links between the new railway stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge.

One of the features of the Levenmouth rail corridor is the improved options for walking and cycling, with the new bridge being integral to the enhanced network of active travel routes being developed.

Passenger services on the new Levenmouth line start next month.

An important consideration in its design was to improve access and maximise its economic, social, and environmental benefits by providing key active travel links in and around the line’s stations.

The location of the new bridge was decided after consultation with local residents, while the overall project is being developed in tandem with the active travel network.

We are delighted that the work to install the Duniface bridge has been completed smoothly and we are now working hard to get it ready in time for the railway opening in June.

It is always exciting to see the crane lift the bridge into position to create what is a very impressive looking structure that will support active travel in the nearby communities.

The active travel network will make a huge impact on the area and will improve connectivity between communities, across the river and linking to the new stations.

The bridge will improve options for walking and cycling but also support users of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, prams and buggies in moving about the community and accessing the rail network for onward journeys.

We are grateful to the surrounding communities for their cooperation as we brought the bridge sections to site and look forward to completing the work in the coming weeks.

Joe Mulvenna, Network Rail project manager for the Levenmouth Rail Link