Scotland’s ancient capital and newest city, Dunfermline, is set for a multi-million investment boost in its electricity network that will support the city’s ambitions to be part of a climate-friendly and climate-ready Fife.
We are investing £3 million to modernise the network, increase its resilience and prepare it for the connection of more low-carbon technologies like electric vehicle chargers and heat pumps.
The essential works will upgrade the Dunfermline to Netherton circuit on the network, replacing underground cables totalling 4.7km in length.
First installed in 1957 – the same year Harold McMillan became Prime Minister and The Queen delivered her first televised Christmas message – the circuit is now reaching the end of its operational life.
The upgrade works will get underway at the end of March and are expected to be completed in September. The affected cable route runs from Elgin Street, along Comely Park, through Dunfermline Park and up Townhill Road, ending at the north side of Townhill Community Park.
Affected roads will remain open during the works, but temporary traffic management systems and lane closures will be in place as work progresses on a phased basis . Temporary parking restrictions may also apply at times.
We have carefully planned the works to keep any disruption to a minimum – this includes digging under Appin Crescent to remove the need for any traffic management on the roads leading up to the busy junction at Sinclair Gardens Roundabout.
SP Energy Networks’ Project Manager, Archie Ferguson, said: “These essential works will ensure Dunfermline has a modern and resilient electricity network, befitting of its status as Scotland’s newest city.
“We fully recognise that the scale of the works – and the route through the city centre – will cause some disruption and inconvenience. We apologise for that and thanks people in advance for their patience and cooperation. We’re working closely with Fife Council to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum and will keep people informed as work progresses.
“The existing electricity network has served the city, its people and its visitors well for almost 70 years and our £3 million investment will ensure we can continue to do the same for generations to come. It will boost the city’s green growth and transition to a cleaner way of life and support Climate Fife’s target for becoming net zero by 2045.”
Dunfermline North Councillor Gordon Pryde joined Archie at Dunfermline public park for a briefing on the planned works. He said: “While we know these works will cause some significant disruption at times, this is necessary investment to replace cables that have been powering the city for 60 years – they are as old as me!
“I’m assured by SP Energy Networks approach to keep disruption to a minimum and will be following progress closely on behalf of my constituents. I look forward to seeing the works complete and contributing to Dunfermline’s net zero future.”
Alastair Macdonald, Vice-Chair of Central Dunfermline Community Council also attended the briefing. He added: “I very much appreciate the consideration that’s been put into the planning of these works and especially the plan to drill under Appin Crescent and take away the need for traffic restrictions on a busy stretch of road. That will make a real difference.”
Information leaflets and posters will be distributed to homes and businesses along the cable route before works get underway on 1 April.