Work to reinstate passenger trains to and from Leven is about to begin, Network Rail has announced.
Engineers are preparing to clear vegetation and carry out a site survey and geological investigations to inform the project to create 12 miles of railway and two stations for the east of Fife.
The line will also be prepared for future electrification in line with the Scottish Government’s rail decarbonisation agenda.
This first phase of work is likely to take several months and could extend into the new year.
Environmental and ecological surveys have already been carried out and plans are in place to safeguard habitats of value.
Chainsaws and chipping machines will be among the equipment used to clear the vegetation, with work to drill boreholes, sample ballast and extract core samples to assess the condition of the ground under the railway also on the cards.
Graeme Stewart, of Network Rail’s Levenmouth project team, said: “Although still at a very early stage, it is fantastic to see work happening , literally preparing the ground and to inform the design of the line.
“As well as the promise of better connectivity, this scale of investment to improve our transport infrastructure will help to deliver benefits to the economy.
“It will act as an enabler for growth, provide better access to employment and education opportunities and expanded social and leisure options for people all across the area.”
