Rail passengers across Fife are being urged to plan ahead this October, with major engineering works set to disrupt services as part of a significant electrification programme on the Fife Circle line.
Network Rail will carry out an intensive 18-day programme of upgrades, laying the groundwork for the introduction of battery-electric trains and helping to modernise one of Scotland’s busiest commuter routes. The works form part of the Scottish Government’s £311.5m investment to electrify 118km of railway, supporting a broader shift towards greener, more sustainable transport.
Major infrastructure upgrades planned
During the programme, engineers will undertake a wide range of improvements designed to prepare the route for overhead power lines. These include:
- Demolition and reconstruction of key bridges
- Track renewals and layout changes
- Installation of foundations and structures for electrification equipment
- Extensive signalling upgrades
Among the most significant interventions will be the replacement of bridges at Bennochy Road in Kirkcaldy, Muriespot near Coaltown of Balgonie, and Main Street in Thornton. In addition, upgrade works will be carried out on the Cardenden Road bridge in Cardenden.
Phased closures across the route
To allow teams to deliver the most complex elements safely and efficiently, three separate line closures have been scheduled:
- Inverkeithing to Thornton North: 10–20 October
- Thornton North to Cupar and Hilton Junction: 20–24 October
- Lochgelly to Glenrothes: 24–28 October
Passengers are being advised to check their journeys in advance, with rail replacement transport expected to be in place during closures.
Enabling battery-electric trains
The works are a critical step in enabling the introduction of battery-electric rolling stock on the route, delivering improvements in reliability, capacity and passenger comfort, while also reducing emissions.
Michael McArthur, project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said:
*"This project paves the way for the introduction of battery-electric trains on one of Scotland's busiest rail routes. It will help increase capacity, improve reliability and deliver more accessible, comfortable and sustainable journeys for passengers.
"We know there's never an ideal time to close any part of the railway, and our teams have planned the work carefully to keep the impact to a minimum. We appreciate the patience of passengers and local residents while these improvements take place.”*
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail service delivery director, added:
“We’re working closely with Network Rail to help keep customers moving when the improvements are delivered, and we’ll have a rail replacement transport plan in place to ensure customers can continue to travel with confidence.
“Customers are asked to plan ahead and check their journey before they travel, and we thank our customers for their patience and understanding while the project is delivered.”*
Long-term benefits for passengers
Once complete, the electrification of the Fife Circle is expected to deliver faster, more reliable services while reducing the railway’s carbon footprint. It also positions the route to accommodate growing demand and future service improvements, reinforcing its importance within Scotland’s transport network.
Image credit: Network Rail
