The Levenmouth Rail Link project has taken a major step forward with the successful commissioning of the new £116m signalling system. This signifies that trains can now safely use the line, paving the way for driver training and the eventual launch of passenger services this summer.
The complex system, brought online over the weekend of January 6/7, will oversee the movement of trains on the new six-mile route between Thornton Junction and Leven Station. In the coming weeks, ScotRail drivers will be undergoing intensive training to familiarise themselves with this crucial section of track.
"This is a key milestone in reconnecting Levenmouth with the rail network, delivering benefits and opportunities to the people of Leven and Fife” said Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport. “I’d like to thank everyone involved in the project thus far and look forward to seeing the completion of the stations and active travel links.
“The imminent start of driver training is another major step towards the railway opening and I aim to visit in the coming weeks to see this progress.”
The Levenmouth Rail Link, funded by the Scottish Government, will boast two brand-new stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge. It is expected to unlock new social and economic opportunities for the region, with Gerry McQuade, capital delivery director for Scotland's Railway, stating: "The project team will now focus on completing the stations and enhancing active travel links, ensuring seamless connectivity for the community."
David Lister, ScotRail safety, engineering & sustainability director, added: "With the new signalling system now commissioned, ScotRail will begin a programme of driver training enabling our trains to run safely onto the wider network.
“This investment marks one of the final steps towards opening the Levenmouth line, which will deliver new and improved services for our customers across Fife and East Scotland.”
The sophisticated signalling system comprises various elements, including lineside signals for driver communication, axle counters for train location tracking, and movable points for navigating junctions with specialist engineers designing and installing the components to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the new railway.
Photo Credit: Network Rail
