Proposals for what became the A823(M) grew from post war studies conducted by Fife County Council. These highlighted the need for a new road bridge across the Firth of Forth and improved connections to Perthshire and between the east and west of the county.

 

As the plans evolved the route became known as the East Fife Regional Road (EFRR), a new high quality road linking Dunfermline with the coastal towns of Burntisland and Kirkcaldy. A western section was also envisaged, forming part of the Rosyth Bypass and providing a faster link to the Kincardine Bridge. An interchange between the route and the new M90 motorway was proposed at Masterton.

 

In the late 1950s, it was decided that the southernmost part of the motorway, including the Masterton Interchange and the first section of the EFRR should be constructed as part of the Forth Road Bridge. Work commenced on site in February 1961 and was largely completed in March 1964, though the road did not open until September. Plans for the EFRR were later revised with the road built in a new corridor to the north. This is now the A92 between Halbeath and Kirkcaldy. The Rosyth Bypass remains unfinished, though as recently as 2020 was stated to be a priority for Fife Council.

 

The A823(M) was designed by consultant Mott Hay and Anderson in conjunction with Fife County Council. The main contractor was Glasgow based civil engineering firm, Whatlings Ltd. The total cost of the project was £1.4 million, equivalent to around £20 million in today's prices.