National Grid is advising residents and motorists of a temporary road closure next month (May) in Riversway, Preston, as engineers undertake a £65 million project to refurbish power lines in the area.
The A583 Riversway will be closed between the junctions with Nelson Way and Blackpool Road from Thursday 1 May to Wednesday 14 May, while engineers undertake essential works to replace high voltage power lines above the road. To minimise disruption to motorists and residents the closure will be in force from 9.30am to 3.30pm to avoid peak traffic times.
Traffic will be diverted via the A5085 Blackpool Road and Pedders Lane. The same section of Riversway will be closed again from 2 – 15 July to enable engineers to complete the project.
The work is being carried out on behalf of National Grid by the Electricity Alliance West, a partnership between National Grid and leading construction companies Amec, Mott MacDonald and Babcock.
Project manager William Fenton said: “We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to motorists and local people. These works are essential to enable the electricity network to cope with increased demand and renewable energy sources and to ensure the continued safety and security of power supplies to the North West and the country as a whole.
“Safety is our top priority and to protect the public we will, unfortunately, have to close the road while the work is underway. We have worked closely with Lancashire Highways Authority and Lancashire Police to reduce disruption and the road closure will only be in operation outside morning and evening rush hours.”
In a meticulous operation, each of the existing conductors which oversail Riversway will be bonded to the new power cables. A large powered winch will wind the old conductors onto a cable drum, pulling the new overhead lines into place.
The Riversway crossing is part of a scheme to renew 65kms of high voltage overhead line between National Grid’s existing substations at Penwortham, near Preston, and Hutton, near Kendal. It is due for completion at the end of this year.
If members of the public have any queries or concerns about the work they should contact National Grid community relations on 0800 085 1326.
The scheme is an element in a package of works in the North West to reinforce the links in the electricity system between England and Scotland, ensuring the safety and security of power supplies to the North West and the country as a whole.
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For further media information only, please contact Sara Wilcox, National Grid Communications, on 01926 655271.