Months of roadworks on Leven’s Bawbee Bridge will be lifted in time for Christmas.
The decision follows complaints from traders who said the disruption caused by three-way traffic lights was killing their business.
Fife Council is aiming to fully reopen the bridge for around four weeks from December 9, although a final decision on dates has yet to be taken.
It is hoped the move will encourage more shoppers into Leven town centre during the festive season.
However, while business owners have broadly welcomed the announcement they fear it could come too late for some.
Stanley Dawson, who owns Dawson’s Amusements with brother Gary, said: “The damage has already been done.
“The end of November would have been better to give us a bit of extra time to attract trade.
“If they leave it too late there won’t be any Christmas shopping done in Leven.
“That’s the opinion of the shopkeepers I’ve been speaking to.”
Leven Poundstretcher fire also hit trade
Leven businesses previously spoke of fears they may have to lay off staff or close altogether as trade plummeted during the roadworks.
Their comments came on the eve of a huge fire which destroyed Poundstretcher and damaged three other premises on November 8.
Stanley said restrictions on the High Street following the blaze had compounded the problems.
“It’s an absolute tragedy people have lost their businesses,” he said.
“But the main thing now is to get what’s left of the High Street opened up properly for Christmas.”
Angela Mowatt of the Beach Snack Bar on the Promenade has been struggling as shoppers avoid Leven during the roadworks.
“I’m pleased they’re opening it but we were hoping it would be in November,” she said.
“I just hope it’s not any later than December 9.”
Bawbee Bridge roadworks are part of Leven rail link preparations
The Bawbee Bridge is the main route into Leven from Methil and Buckhaven and normally carries 18,000 vehicles a day.
Critical roadworks have been ongoing since July as part of the investment in the new Levenmouth railway line.
Utility companies have been diverting cables before the bridge is removed and rebuilt next year.
A diversion via a temporary bridge will be created during the major rebuilding work.
The structure is 75-years-old and suffering from significant deterioration.
And the works will strengthen it and raise the parapets so the new railway station can sit beneath it.
Businesses thanked at ‘hugely challenging time’
Leven Labour councillor Colin Davidson said he hoped the agreement to temporarily remove works would help people plan ahead.
He said: “I’m delighted the council has been able to work with its partners to bring about this reprieve and get traffic moving as freely as possible at such an important time.
“I’d like to thank business leaders for their commitment to their employees and businesses at this hugely challenging time.”
And Liberal Democrat councillor Eugene Clarke said he had spoken to many businesses about the challenges they face.
“Many are looking to the lead up to Christmas to help them survive the next few months and would really like the works to be suspended for this period,” he said.
Conversation