Levenmouth rail link to reopen: project updates

[MadMac]

One solution to that would be to temporarily electrify them at 25kV - though without enough power to run a train service - from a temporary substation.

They put 240 volts on some remote sections of ECML where theft and vandalism were previously unheard of after the OHL was stolen: the signal phones were also ripped out to prevent anyone raising the alarm.

 

[najaB]

It would be a lot easier to delay putting them up until they are needed. I don't think the actual stringing of the wires causes much disruption to services if the masts are in place.

I suppose that is true, but I can see some people complaining that they haven't built an 'electrified railway' if there aren't any wires.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

I suppose that is true, but I can see some people complaining that they haven't built an 'electrified railway' if there aren't any wires.

they should get foundations in and masts up the rest can be easily accommodated on overnight possessions

 

[snowball]

Press release

Temporary bridge will minimise Leven traffic disruption

Work is underway to install a temporary bridge structure and build a road to enable the demolition and reconstruction of the A955 Leven Rail (Bawbee) bridge.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Work is underway to install a temporary bridge structure and build a road to enable the demolition and reconstruction of the A955 Leven Rail (Bawbee) bridge.

Construction of the new temporary crossing will support 18,000 vehicle movements per day during major work by Network Rail to demolish the old Bawbee bridge as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link project.

The A955 road bridge sits above the site of the new Leven station and, given its location, the reconstruction is being delivered as part of the wider Scottish-Government funded programme of railway works.

Work is now underway following planning approval from Fife Council for the diversion route during the eight-month road closure.

Up until now, traffic management has been in place to allow utility companies to move services off the structure to enable safe demolition without disruption to water, gas, electricity and telecoms.

Network Rail will replace the abutments and bridge deck of the weight-restricted 75-year-old road bridge which is suffering from significant deterioration and showing signs of chlorine contamination and corrosion.

As well as the temporary bridge and road, a new roundabout will be installed on South Street to support traffic movements during the project. The temporary bridge is due to open to traffic in early May.

Sean Clemie, Network Rail project manager for bridge works, said: “It’s great to get on site and start work on this part of the project.

“Chlorine contamination and corrosion means the bridge needs to be replaced sooner rather than later and it’s much easier and more cost effective to do this ahead of the new rail link opening.

“The installation of a temporary bridge will make a huge difference in minimising disruption in the area from the road closure.”

Councillor Colin Davidson, convener of Fife Council's Levenmouth Area Committee, said: “We are delighted to be working with the railway project to deliver the replacement Leven Rail Bridge, known locally as the Bawbee bridge.

“Given the location of the new Leven station, it makes sense to utilise the skills and expertise of the railway contractors to deliver this work efficiently both in terms of the road network and the rail link project.

“We appreciate the patience shown by the local community as contractors carried out preparatory work on the structure but, with the road set to close for an extended period, the installation of the temporary bridge will minimise the impact of the work on the community and support local businesses – particularly over the summer months.”

The diversion route will take traffic from the A955/B933 roundabout, through the swimming pool car park and across the River Leven via the temporary bridge. Traffic will then join the existing road network at the new roundabout on South Street (B932).

Upon completion of the works to Leven Bridge, anticipated to be in February 2024, the temporary diversion route will be removed and traffic will revert to the normal route over the new bridge.

Notes to Editors

Key dates proposed for the work to replace the Leven (Bawbee) bridge are currently anticipated to be as follows:

Start of temporary road construction- March 2023
Temporary road in use from – early May 2023
Leven Bridge renewal works – May – December 2023
Road reopened under Traffic management - December 2023
Removal of temporary road bridge - January 2023
Road fully reopened – February 2024

 

[snowball]

And another press release

Cameron Bridge station works making good progress

The new Cameron Bridge station is beginning to take shape after two months of intensive work on the site.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

The new Cameron Bridge station is beginning to take shape after two months of intensive work on the site.

Since breaking ground in late January, engineers have been working hard to create the new platforms for the station – which is being delivered as part of the £116m Scottish Government-funded Levenmouth Rail Link project.

So far, engineers have used over 5,000 tonnes of material to create the base of the two platforms before casting the concrete foundations for each of the near 200m-long structures.

The track-side walls of the new platforms have also been installed with 108 precast concrete wall sections, each weighing over 4 tonnes, being moved into position.

Over 1,000 tonnes of stone recycled from the old Windygates station has also been used to create access roads to the new station, which is due to open in 2024.

The station, which will also have a footbridge and lifts, will serve the western end of the new rail line connecting the communities of Cameron Bridge and Methilhill to the rail network for the first time in more than five decades.

Located southeast of Windygates just off the A915, Cameron Bridge station will have 125 car parking spaces with provision for electric vehicle charging, accessible spaces and cycle storage.

It will also have a bus stop and turning circle and will connect to local communities via new footpaths. It will also connect to Methilhill via a new bridge over the river to the south.

Cameron Bridge is one of two new stations being built on the new rail link, with the other at Leven also now under construction.

Brian Walker, Network Rail project manager for the station works, said: “The new Cameron Bridge station is progressing really well and it is great to see the new infrastructure taking shape.

“For the local community, seeing the station coming out of the ground makes it a reality and in the coming months, people will continue to see progress with the station and the construction of the new bridge.”

The usual "notes for editors" are not included. I hope that's not a bad sign.

 

[snowball]

Fife Today:

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/leven-rail-link-bridge-parapets-extended-to-make-way-for-new-ps116m-line-4116436

Network Rail has asked Fife Council for “prior approval” to push the electrification of Cameron Bridge and Windygates bypass forward.
By Danyel VanReenen, Local Democracy Reporting Service

In a planning application submitted to the local authority this week, it said bridge parapets on both sites must be extended in height before electrifying the rail line. The works are all a part of the £116m Scottish Government funded Levenmouth Rail Link project.

Parapets are the safety barriers installed along the edges of bridges to provide protection for vehicles and pedestrians.The barriers at Windygates Bypass along the A915 are currently 1.5 metre high.

“It is proposed to extend the height of the existing bridge parapets by 400mm to ensure full compliance with electrification standards,” a planning statement said.

Likewise, the parapets on Cameron Bridge along Station Road must be extended by approximately 372mm. Neither bridge is listed or within a conservation area.

“These works are required to facilitate the reopening of the Leven Branch Line as part of the Levenmouth Rail project, which includes provision for a twin-track electrified line under this overbridge,” a statement from Network Rail said. “This letter is a request for the prior approval of the local authority for works which Network Rail proposes to carry out under permitted development rights.”

The rail link project will reconnect the area to the rail network, and there will be two new stations at Cameron Bridge and at Leven as part of the work. The opening of the line is expected as early as spring 2024.

Councillors will consider the application in due course.

In the May Modern Railways, Roger Ford discusses the recent relaxation of some electrification standards and, not for the first time, suggests raising parapets beyond 1.5m is unnecessary, but they're doing it here anyway.

 

[Snow1964]

Network Rail update with a video issued today 25th

One of two new stations on six-mile branch line, alongside Cameron Bridge, Leven station will boast 200m island platforms and a pebble styled pavilion area which will mark the entrance to the new station.

Since breaking ground in early February, engineers have been working hard to create the new platforms for the station

So far, the team have used more than 1,800 tonnes of stone for foundations and to create the base for the island platform before casting the concrete base for the near 200m-long platform.

The track-side walls of the new platforms have also been installed using 74 precast concrete sections, each weighing more than 4 tonnes. When the section of the Bawbee Bridge which sits above the station has been replaced, more side-wall units will be installed to complete the platforms.

Leven station building momentum for new rail link

The new Leven station is beginning to take shape after two months of intensive work on the site.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

 

[snowball]

They say they're on schedule but the timescale for the Bawbee bridge works has changed - perhaps due to delay in getting planning consent??

From the press release in #223, 21 March 2022:

Key dates proposed for the work to replace the Leven (Bawbee) bridge are currently anticipated to be as follows: (Subject to Planning Approval)

Start of temporary road construction- June 2022
Temporary road in use from – August 2022
Leven Bridge renewal works - September 2022
Removal of temporary road - August 2023

From the press release in #334, 23 March 2023:

Key dates proposed for the work to replace the Leven (Bawbee) bridge are currently anticipated to be as follows:

Start of temporary road construction- March 2023
Temporary road in use from – early May 2023
Leven Bridge renewal works – May – December 2023
Road reopened under Traffic management - December 2023
Removal of temporary road bridge - January 2023
Road fully reopened – February 2024

automerged post


Found this video showing Leven station site from the seaward side, the temporary road bridge (not quite open yet) over the river, and the temporary bridge for mains services (and pedestrians?) over the railway alignment.

 

[Stopper]

Any concrete proposals on service pattern yet or is just speculation? Obviously we expect it to be 1tph via Dunfermline and 1tph via Kirkcaldy as extensions/diversions of the current Cowdenbeath/Glenrothes terminators. Will the Circle services ever return in place of being merged into the Perth/Dundee services?

 

[snowball]

Press release: road diversion including temp bridge to open this afternoon (Friday).

Temporary bridge opens to traffic in Leven

Network Rail has announced that the temporary bridge carrying traffic across the river during the demolition of the River Leven – Bawbee – bridge will open on Friday May 5 with an anticipated time of 15.00.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Network Rail has announced that the temporary bridge carrying traffic across the river during the demolition of the River Leven – Bawbee – bridge will open on Friday May 5 with an anticipated time of 15.00.

The diversion route takes traffic from the A955/B933 roundabout, through the swimming pool car park and across the river via the temporary bridge. Traffic will then join the existing road network at the new roundabout that has been constructed on South Street (B932).

The new temporary crossing, which has been funded by Fife Council, will support 18,000 vehicle movements per day during major work by Network Rail to demolish the old bridge as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link project.

The A955 road bridge sits above the site of the new Leven station and, given its location, the reconstruction is being delivered as part of the wider Scottish-Government funded programme of railway works.

The wording could give the impression that the whole of the old bridge including the river span is to be demolished and replaced, but I understand from a discusion in another forum that the river span is unaffected.

 

[snowball]

And another press release - at last making it clear that the demolition is only of the rail section of the Bawbee bridge, not the river section.

Leven bridge is coming down

Preparatory work ahead of the demolition of the rail section of the River Leven (Bawbee) bridge is now underway.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Preparatory work ahead of the demolition of the rail section of the River Leven (Bawbee) bridge is now underway.

Network Rail is replacing the abutments and deck of the road bridge which is suffering from significant deterioration and showing signs of chlorine contamination and corrosion. The work is to remove a long-standing weight restriction from the structure.

The work on the bridge, which sits above the site of the new Leven station, is funded by Fife Council and is being delivered on their behalf by Network Rail as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link programme.

With the road now closed to both road traffic and pedestrians, the area has been fenced-off to protect the community from coming into contact with machinery carrying out the work.

Street-furniture – road signs, lamp posts etc – is being removed before the existing road surface will be lifted and the bridge parapets (side walls) removed.

It is anticipated that the actual demolition of the structure itself will be from Friday May 19 with the work complete by the end of the month. The start of work on the replacement structure will immediately follow.

The temporary footbridge adjacent to the Bawbee bridge will also be closed during this time. Access across the river will be via the footbridge across the temporary road bridge which was recently opened.

Sean Clemie, project manager for bridge works, said: “With the temporary road bridge in place to maintain access across the river, we can now focus on the main task – demolition and reconstruction of the Bawbee bridge.

“Obviously, with the main element of the work underway, we have fenced off the bridge and the adjacent temporary structure will also be out of use during the demolition for safety reasons.

“We will prepare the structure for demolition at the weekend and after the debris has been cleared, we will immediately start work on the construction of the new bridge. From then we will enable reinstatement of the utilities - essentially putting everything that is needed back on the bridge.”

---------- automerged post ----------


From Project Scotland:

Next stop on Levenmouth rail project picks up speed | Project Scotland

NETWORK Rail is using an innovative new design process to avoid issues relating to global supply shortages and long lead times to continue its fast-track de ...

projectscot.com

NETWORK Rail is using an innovative new design process to avoid issues relating to global supply shortages and long lead times to continue its fast-track delivery of Cameron Bridge railway station.

Project Scotland recently visited the site of the new station, which will sit just yards from the original station that closed in 1969, to hear from the project team on the work to deliver one of two stops on the £116 million line that will reconnect Levenmouth in Fife with the mainline for the first time in over half a century.

Last year, Network Rail MD Alex Hynes said that the reinstatement of the route will improve the life chances of people in the area. With a raft of benefits to come on the back of the line, there is an unsurprising desire amongst locals – who have campaigned since its closure for the reinstatement – to see the line in action by its scheduled 2024 completion date.

Once complete, two trains per hour will stop at Cameron Bridge station to take passengers to Edinburgh – a journey currently only possible via car or by hopping on and off multiple buses.

With this in mind, project manager of the Cameron Bridge build, Brian Walker, told Project Scotland of the design measures the team has taken to help create the bases for the island platform and 200m-long platform, as well as installing track-side walls of the new platforms in just two months. Access roads have also been created in this time, as well as all precast units being installed and coated with waterproof coating, whilst the rear wall foundation of Platform 1 is 75% complete, the rear masonry wall is 20% complete, and work is set to progress to the lift pit construction and backfilling of both platforms.

“The relationship we have with the designer is slightly different to the normal relationship we (as an industry would ordinarily) have,” he explained. “We’d normally be very transactional and…wait for somebody to produce a drawing and then say: ‘magic, let’s go build this now’. This is a bit more construction-led; we’ve had conversations with the designer where we say: ‘this is what we want to build, can you make this work?’ and they go away and have a think.”

 

[jamieintercity]

The bridge over the new station at leven is now gone.

Also, the ballast has now reached the old station at cameron bridge. I'm assuming relaying will recommence along that section at some point in the coming weeks.

 

[snowball]

Apparently there is a local campaign against the closure of foot crossings of the line between Thornton and Windygates. (This link is 2 months old.)

Councillors in bid to save crossings under threat in new Levenmmouth rail link

Councillors have backed community calls to reverse the future closure of Fife level crossings.

www.fifetoday.co.uk

Councillors in bid to save crossings under threat in new Levenmmouth rail link

Councillors have backed community calls to reverse the future closure of Fife level crossings.

Glenrothes Area Committee wants to “enable the immediate removal” of the current crossing obstructions and reverse the Network Rail Scotland plans to permanently close the Doubledykes, Tullybreck and Waulkmill level crossings.

Network Rail Scotland recently obstructed all three as part of the multi-million £ Levenmouth Rail Link Development.

If project proceeds as planned, the three crossings will be permanently closed when the new rail link opens.

Cllr. RossVettraino, SNP member for Glenrothes Central and Thornton, made an emergency motion to address Scottish ministers for help on Wednesday, and he received the support of his colleagues.

An online petition to save the Doubledykes crossing has garnered nearly 1,200 signatures in the last 10 months.

Campaigners from Thornton, Coaltown of Balgonie and other nearby locales worry that closing the crossing could have a negative impact on the Glenrothes area.

“This is a well used route for walkers and cyclists alike having used this route for many years. It's also a historic route used by Mary Queen of Scots,” the Doubledykes petition states.

“We would appreciate network rail or Fife Council ensures provision to cross the line in anyway whether that's a level crossing or bridge to allow the continued off route travel route between Glenrothes and the Fife coastal path remains unhindered.”

Cllr Vettraino clarified that the Levenmouth Rail Link is a welcome project, but was shocked to learn the crossings weren’t a fundamental consideration.

“The re-establishment of the rail link is to be welcomed and it will bring many social and economic benefits to the area,” he told the area committee.

However, he was staggered to learn the right of way for the three crossings would be permanently closed as a result.

“These are rights of way that have been enjoyed by the local communities for many years,” he said.

Committee will write to the appropriate Scottish Minister demanding that Network Rail remove the current obstructions until they are necessary for public safety.

The minister will also be asked to reconsider the funding for the Levenmouth Rail Link project to include the maintenance of the three crossings.

 

[Morayshire]

Also reports over on the Scot Rail forum that SEPA are objecting to the new station in Leven on grounds of flood risk?

SEPA can do this as apparently they have started to build the new station without waiting on planning permission.

So we could have a new station which we cannot use because it does not have planning permission?

I seriously hope I have got the above completely wrong (and apologise in advance if I have) by the way because it would be astounding if true.

 

[A330Alex]

Also reports over on the Scot Rail forum that SEPA are objecting to the new station in Leven on grounds of flood risk?

SEPA can do this as apparently they have started to build the new station without waiting on planning permission.

So we could have a new station which we cannot use because it does not have planning permission?

I seriously hope I have got the above completely wrong (and apologise in advance if I have) by the way because it would be astounding if true.

SEPA submitted a holding objection pending more information and withdrew it in February.

22/03416/FULL | Change of use of land to operational railway and construction of railway station and associated development. | Land To The West Of

planning.fife.gov.uk

 

[snowball]

Meanwhile at the other station:

Planning permission granted for Cameron Bridge station

Network Rail has secured planning permission for the construction of the new Cameron Bridge station as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link project.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

Network Rail has secured planning permission for the construction of the new Cameron Bridge station as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link project.

Located southeast of Windygates just off the A915, Cameron Bridge station will have 125 car parking spaces with provision for electric vehicle charging, accessible spaces and cycle storage.

It will have a bus stop and turning circle and will connect to local communities via new footpaths. It will also connect to Methilhill via a new bridge over the river to the south.

Cameron Bridge is one of two new stations being built on the new rail link, with the other at Leven also now under construction.

A planning application was submitted for the development last October but the work on building the rail-facing elements of the station is well underway – enabled by permitted development within the railway corridor.

Since breaking ground in late January, engineers have been working hard to create the new platforms for the station – which is being delivered as part of the £116m Scottish Government-funded Levenmouth Rail Link project.

Tommy McPake, programme manager for Network Rail said: “The granting of planning permission for Cameron Bridge station is yet another exciting step forward for the project. It takes us closer to getting the full station development built and opened for public use.”

“While there are conditions attached to the planning consent, these come as no surprise to us and we are busy working through these with Fife Council so we can proceed as planned with the work.

“Every step forward is exciting, but the award of planning consent is a milestone that moves us significantly closer to opening the rail link for the people of Levenmouth.”

I didn't know they didn't have it already, but as it says they have been working on the platforms by permitted development rights.

I'm disappointed there haven't been any pictures of the gap where the Bawbee bridge used to be.

 

[Xenophon PCDGS]

Has the matter of the flood risk element mentioned in an earlier posting been now reviewed. In Scotland, which is the body that will make the determination.

 

[snowball]

Has the matter of the flood risk element mentioned in an earlier posting been now reviewed. In Scotland, which is the body that will make the determination.

According to #345 the objection was withdrawn. As far as I know it's for Fife council to decide.

 

[waverley47]

Objection withdrawn following remedial works further up the river agreed upon before it went to dispute.

Obviously the works are in the grey area of technically contained within an active railway boundary, therefore not requiring planning permission, but also requiring changes to structures, access and utilities which means they do.

And yes, it would be a Fife council decision ultimately.

 

[fgwrich]

Meanwhile at the other station:

Planning permission granted for Cameron Bridge station

Network Rail has secured planning permission for the construction of the new Cameron Bridge station as part of the Levenmouth Rail Link project.

www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk

I didn't know they didn't have it already, but as it says they have been working on the platforms by permitted development rights.

I'm disappointed there haven't been any pictures of the gap where the Bawbee bridge used to be.

If you do Facebook (I know some don't or complain when a FB link is posted on here), you can see the recent and quick demolition of the Bawbee Bridge here:

https://www.facebook.com/Levenmouthbuildingarailway

Granted, it's an unofficial page but always worth a follow!

 

[snowball]

Thanks. I'm not a registered FB user but your link allows me to see a lot of stills of the demolition.

Edit: scrolling down on the FB page it appears the OLE supports in Leven station will be based on the island platform. I had wondered if they would be founded from the sides.

Further edit: the page has hundreds of pictures going back to July last year. Here from December are the first two pictures I've seen of OLE foundation piles in place on this line.

Facebook

www.facebook.com

Facebook

www.facebook.com

 

[snowball]

A comment in the name of James Wemyss on the Facebook page linked by @fgwrich in #350 suggests there are still planning problems over Leven station:

Dependant on the outcome of the Planning Application for the Station, the work on the seaward side seen in the first photo may yet have to be ripped out and alterations to the Sainsbury's side to extend the platform further towards Cameron Bridge and lift the rail level. Starting to look like the first trains will be running only to Cameron Bridge for a while whilst the impasse is resolved by the ScotGov DPEA and / or The Court of Session. The Design Consultants should never have let things get to this stage and should have pre-empted the SEPA and Fife Council (Access for All) statutes that they have raised, to halt the Planning Application. The Design Consultants should have created a design that would have been totally acceptable by SEPA / Fife Council. If the new bridge deck is placed with its soffit height as currently planned before the station planning is resolved, the station works on the seaward side of the bridge do end up having to be ripped out, then in the future there is an extension of the railway over to Methil, then the new bridge's deck would have to be raised in height again closing the road again possibly for months.

I would imagine that further raising of the bridge height is out of the question as the rebuilt railway span is likely to be at the maximum height compatible with keeping the existing river span.

 

[Baxenden Bank]

A comment in the name of James Wemyss on the Facebook page linked by @fgwrich in #350 suggests there are still planning problems over Leven station:



I would imagine that further raising of the bridge height is out of the question as the rebuilt railway span is likely to be at the maximum height compatible with keeping the existing river span.

Should we take note of the comments of James Wemyss on Facebutt?

 

[MadMac]

Should we take note of the comments of James Wemyss on Facebutt?

Certainly. He’s a member over on the Scot-Rail forum and is very knowledgeable on planning matters such as this.

 

[snowball]

The reconstructed rail span at Bawbee Bridge will have a reinforced concrete floor. The concrete for this has now been poured using a long-armed concrete pump - pictures are on the Facebook page linked in #350. Other recent pictures there show ballast at the old Cameron Bridge station site and good progress on the platforms at the new CB station, both of these with lengths of rail lying nearby but no sleepers yet,

 

[jamieintercity]

DRS 66122 has become the first loco for more than 20 years to reach the Cameron bridge distillery which I'm assuming the little lun farm underpass is now completed.

Also, where are we in terms of piles for the OHL on the branch? Anymore installed towards leven?

 

[najaB]

DRS 66122 has become the first loco for more than 20 years to reach the Cameron bridge distillery which I'm assuming the little lun farm underpass is now completed.

Pictures, or it didn't happen.

 

[Morayshire]

Pictures, or it didn't happen.

66122 at Cameronbridge

Link lifted from a post by James Wemyss over on the Scot Tail forum. Should show a class 66 like object at Cameron bridge

 

[snowball]

Just found this video online featuring the concrete pour for the first abutment of the replacement span of Bawbee bridge.

 

[LYRobert]

66122 at Cameronbridge

Link lifted from a post by James Wemyss over on the Scot Tail forum. Should show a class 66 like object at Cameron bridge

Why is the formation so wide at this point?