Electricity transformer on the move in London

01/09/2009

Electricity transmission company National Grid is advising motorists, businesses and residents that an abnormal load is due to be moved in London over the weekend of Friday 4 September to Sunday 6 September.

An electricity transformer is being transferred between National Grid’s electricity sub stations in West Ham and Beddington on Friday and Saturday night (4 and 5 September) and is due to arrive at Beddington substation between 3am and 4am on Sunday 6 September. The transformer, which weighs 175 tonnes, will be carried on a 66-metre-long vehicle travelling at speeds of 4 to 12 mph under police escort.

The transformer is due to leave West Ham at around 8pm on Friday 4 September. It will travel along Cody Road, B164, Stephenson Street, A124, Beckton Road, A13, and A282 before joining the M25 to park for the day at Clacket Lane services.

The transformer will head off for the second leg of its journey into Beddington at 10pm on Saturday night, travelling along the M25 to junction 6, onto the A22 and then the A23, Beddington Farm Road, Coomber Way, and finally the B272 Beddington Lane for arrival at the substation between 3am and 4am on Sunday morning.

The exact times of the journey will be decided by the Police and will depend on traffic conditions.

Parking restrictions will be in force from early evening on Friday in Cody Road, Stephenson Street and Beckton Road, and on Saturday night and early Sunday morning in Beddington Farm Road.

Project manager Dave Palser said:  “This is a huge piece of equipment to move and the route has needed very careful planning.  We have tried to avoid causing disruption wherever possible, which is why we are moving the vehicle in several stages and at night.   Abnormal Load Engineering Limited (ALE), who are moving the transformer on our behalf, have worked closely with the Highways Agency, police and local councils to co-ordinate the route.

“We  would be very grateful if local people could help us by not parking their vehicles on the route away from West Ham substation on Friday night, and on the route into Beddington substation on Saturday night. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Ends    

For further media information contact Carol Lloyd, National Grid Media Relations on 01926 655372.

 

Notes to Editors:

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

National Grid manages the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.  

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.