UK: Completion of Kirkcaldy Sea Wall Project Scheduled for October

Work to refurbish and heighten the existing sea wall at Kirkcaldy is well underway and expected to be completed in October 2014.

This project aims to reduce coastal flooding along the promeneade, improve access to the beach and transform the promenade into an attractive feature for both locals and tourists.

VolkerStevin was appointed by Fife Council as the main contractor in November 2012 and construction commenced on site in June 2013. The project includes:

– Heightening the sea wall by 0.5m and the promenade raised by 0.25m;

– Five new beach access ramps and four stepped access;

– Placement of rock armour along 1.8km of beach frontage.

To date VolkerStevin has installated new pedestrian shelters, street furniture, and new streetlighting, as well as completing 90% of the rock revetment; using 83,000 tonnes of rock which has been sourced locally within Fife.

Demolition of part of the sea wall has been completed and 95% of the precast wall units have been placed on the main sea wall. All five new ramps has been constructed and work to install four new flights of steps is progressing on schedule. In total 544 precast units have been used on the construction of the main see wall and 378 precast units in the construction of the ramps.

Kerry-Anne Beatson, public liaison officer for VolkerStevin, added: “We are looking forward to being able to hand back the promenade and beach to the town. We remain grateful to the residents of Kirkcaldy for their positive feedback and co-operation during the construction period and hope that everyone will be as pleased with the new seafront as we are.”

Councillor Pat Callaghan, executive spokesperson for Environment and Transportation, said: “I am delighted to see this project making such great progress. People in the town can really start to see things taking shape and it’s great to know we’re still on course to finish as projected in October.

“This £9 million major redevelopment will make the sea wall a more attractive place for local people and visitors to enjoy and capitalise on spectacular waterfront of the Lang Toun.”

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Press Release, August 1, 2014