A92 Improvements
After years of discussion and numerous delays, Transport Scotland's new trunk road operator Amey has produced outline plans for improving road safety on the A92 at Freuchie. This takes on board feedback from an independent safety audit undertaken in summer 2021. The key features of the design include :
- A pedestrian controlled crossing a short distance north of the East End which will facilitate safe crossing for residents and public transport users.
- A signal controlled junction at the A92 Kettlebridge crossroads
- A proposal to buy farmland on the east side of the A92 to inset the bus stop and to produce a pathway/cycleway
Transport Scotland's budget will not be confirmed until after the Scottish Government sets its budget for 2023-2024 in December 2022 but the design work is progressing on the basis that budget will be available. Transport Scotland informed the Community Council that the improvement works at Freuchie are a high priority and although budget dependent they are hopeful that they will progress even if finances dictate that this is over 2 financial years.
Amey will provide an update to the Community Council at the end of March 2023. A final costed design should be available around that time or by summer 2023 at the latest. Meantime trial pits will be undertaken to check the location of utilities and negotiations with land owners will commence.
May 2023 Update
Transport Scotland has started the process for acquiring the land to construct the signals and associated road improvements. These costs will enable the overall cost of the scheme to be finalised. Assuming the costs remain within the current budget estimate it is anticipated that the junction upgrade will get the green light to move to the construction phase.
August 2023 Update
Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, continue to develop the design of improvements at the junctions of the A92 with Freuchie High Street and East End. The scheme consists of a new signalised junction and footway along with a toucan crossing at Freuchie Mill Road. Land adjacent to the A92 will have to be acquired to facilitate the new scheme which will improve safer walking between Freuchie and Kettlebridge and access to the National Cycle Route 1, via new footways and signalised pedestrian/cycle crossings. Signalised pedestrian crossings prioritise pedestrians and cyclists by stopping vehicular traffic on the A92 trunk road. Amey and Transport Scotland are working with Fife Council, local Community Councils and adjacent landowners to deliver this improvement with a view to construction starting in late 2024/early 2025 depending on land acquisition and budget.
July 2024 Update
Designs have been finalised and preparatory work to move utility pipes/cables etc are expected to be undertaken this year. Land negotiations are in their final stages and the project should be good to go in spring/summer 2025.
March 2025 Update
Delays have been experienced due to a backlog at the Scottish Government's Legal Department. The Community Council has asked our local MSP to intervene in an attempt to remove this blockage. A response has been received from the Transport Secretary, Fiona Hyslop which indicates that the spring/summer 2025 window has been missed and construction work is unlikely to begin until spring/summer 2026. (press on blue button below to read the response). A meeting with Transport Scotland will be held in May following which an update will be provided.
