Fife Council aims to submit a planning application in August 2026 for the first section of a new strategic road, the Northern Link Road.

The application will cover a stretch of road between Kingseat Road and Pleasance Road, including a bridge over the Fife Circle railway line, to the rear of the Halbeath Retail Park in Dunfermline.

Fife Council has been working in partnership with Network Rail on the proposals, which will enable the closure of the level crossing on Kingseat Road.

The Northern Link Road is a multi-million-pound road and active travel project to the north of Dunfermline. It will provide an alternative route for vehicles, as well as a long-distance route for walking, wheeling and cycling. The road is also being designed to accommodate bus travel.

Fife Council is working in collaboration with developers of the Strategic Development Areas to the north of Dunfermline to deliver the project. Some sections of the road will be constructed by housebuilders within their development sites, while others will be delivered directly by the Council using developer contributions. The Northern Link Road will be designed and delivered in phases, with the bridge expected to be completed in early 2028.

Prior to submitting the planning application, Fife Council and Network Rail will hold a public information event at Kingseat Community Centre from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday 30 June. The event will provide details on the proposed bridge design and the planned level crossing closure. Fife Council welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the proposals to attend.

The Spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning, Councillor Altany Craik, welcomed the announcement, stating: “This project marks the start of the Northern Link Road for Dunfermline and represents a significant infrastructure investment for the city. It will help ensure that the road network remains fit for purpose as Dunfermline grows over the next 20 years.

"These improvements will be funded through financial contributions secured via planning permissions for each development, where they are not directly constructed by developers. The Northern Link Road will be delivered in phases as required. Overall, more than £70 million of road improvement projects will be delivered, resulting in significant investments to Dunfermline’s transport network over the next two decades.”