The bridge will be closed to all traffic for roughly six months, from 19 October. 

Local diversions have been put in place alongside free shuttle buses. Taxis are also available for individuals who have mobility problems and live to the south of the bridge.

The work forms part of a £311.5 million investment to modernise Fife’s rail network and provide new battery-electric trains, greater capacity, reliability and accessibility while cutting carbon emissions.

Thornton residents and business have been written to by Network Rail, in which details of the closure, alternative routes and public transport information have been provided. 

John Mitchell, head of Roads and Transportation Services at Fife Council, said: “We have been working with Network Rail, and bus and taxi operators, to ensure that this full closure of the road has the minimum impact on the local population.

“We understand that this is a significant disruption on a busy road, but we have tried to mitigate these impacts as best we can.”

The work programme was altered earlier in 2026 to keep the road open for longer, through single-lane operations, and to postpone and condense the full-closure period. 

This has helped to safeguard pedestrian and disabled accessibility, public transport and safe routes to school.

Railway closure for bridge demolition and installation is set to take place during 24-28 October, with one lane reopening on 31 March as works proceed. The work is scheduled to be completed on 9 July. 

Michael McArthur, project manager at Network Rail Scotland, said: “We know this work will be disruptive and we apologise for the inconvenience. We are grateful to the local community for their involvement and feedback. The investment being made now will help ensure the railway continues to serve communities across Fife for decades to come.”

More information on the closure, as well as route diversions, shuttle bus timetables, and school bus routes, can be viewed here.