Will there be local power cuts?
The National Grid network operates at high voltages that are not fed directly into homes, businesses and other premises – these are supplied at lower voltage by the local distribution network operators (DNOs) such as United Utilities and YEDL. As this work is taking place on the National Grid system there will not be any effect on local power supplies.
What will your working hours be?
We will be working between 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday. Any work outside these hours will be agreed in advance with the local authority. Some work will also need to be carried out during the weekends, particularly during the cable installation work. We will tell local people in advance, nearer the time, when this is required.
Will the work leave mud on the roads?
All staff and contractors adhere to strict working guidelines to ensure little or no mud is left on roads. If at anytime there is dirt on the roads, contracted road sweepers will clean it up as soon as possible.
Will the work be noisy?
As the vast majority of the work takes place within the tunnel itself, noise should not be an issue. However, we will do everything we can to ensure any disturbance is kept to a minimum.
Will the car park next to the site entrance be closed?
We are aware that the car park at the site entrance is important to the local community and visitors to the area, particularly those using the Trans Pennine Trail and associated cycle and bridleways. When we are receiving delivery of materials to site, the safety of the local community and members of the public using these popular trails, is of the highest priority. Therefore, we may have to restrict some parking spaces or temporarily close the car park for short periods of time. We will give advance notice of this nearer the time wherever possible.
What steps do you take to protect the environment?
Before beginning any project we carry out an environmental assessment of the areas that may be affected by our work.
We consult closely with the Peak District National Park Authority, the Environment Agency and Natural England as well as a wide range of local environmental groups and landowners in order to ensure any potential impact on the environment or disruption to wildlife is avoided where possible.
When we do have to work in sensitive areas such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), we ensure that methods of working are developed in conjunction with the relevant authorities in order that any disturbance is kept to an absolute minimum. National Grid is one of only 35 companies in the UK’s FTSE 100 to have won the ISO 14001 certificate for environmental care.
Is this the end of the Victorian tunnels, as we know them?
No. The relocation of the cables into the 1953 tunnel will not prevent future consideration of the possible restoration of the two Victorian tunnels should a third party be interested in taking this forward. Please click on "About The Tunnel" to the left of this page for more information.