The first of two large new electricity transformers to be installed at National Grid’s high-voltage substation at Iron Acton near Bristol is due to be delivered by road this weekend.
The transformer – which begins its journey at Stafford on Thursday May 18 – weighs 115 tonnes and will be carried on a 30 metre trailer travelling at speeds of between four and 12 mph. It is due to arrive at Iron Acton on Sunday May 21.
The transformer is needed to give an injection of extra power into the local electricity distribution networks to meet the current and future needs of Bristol and the surrounding area.
The second new transformer will be delivered and installed at Iron Acton in 2008, and together they represent part of a £15 million investment at the substation by National Grid in the national electricity transmission system.
Travelling south on the M5, the final leg of the journey will begin at 5.00am on Sunday. The vehicle will leave the motorway at junction 14 and turn left onto the B4509 towards Charfield, where it will then turn right onto the B4058 Bristol Road.
It will follow this road (which becomes Bagstone Road and Wootton Road) through Cromhall, Bagstone and Rangeworthy until it reaches Iron Acton. The vehicle will then turn right on the B4058 Yate Road through the village until it meets the B4059 where it will turn right. At Latteridge, it will then turn right into Latteridge Lane and finally right again into Lark’s Lane where the substation is located.
The transformer is expected to reach the substation by 8.00am. The start time will be approved by the police and will depend on traffic conditions at the time.
The transformer is one of two new units needed to extend Iron Acton substation to secure the demand for electricity in the area. Transformers are essential pieces of equipment to increase and
decrease voltages so electricity can make its way safely from power stations to homes, businesses and factories.
Project engineer Peter Bateman said: “This is a large piece of equipment to move and its route has needed very careful planning.
“We have tried to avoid causing too much disruption by steering clear of bank holiday weekends and the busy summer holiday period but, with a vehicle of this size, it’s not easy.
“We have also worked closely with all the relevant authorities and agencies to devise the route and the vehicle will have an escort throughout its journey."
“Demand for electricity is growing throughout the UK and National Grid has a statutory responsibility to invest in its transmission system to ensure enough power is available to enable its customers – the regional electricity distribution companies such as Western Power and Central Networks – to provide a secure supply for everyone.”
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For further information please contact Graham McQuarrie at National Grid on 01926 655271 or 07977 493933.