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Bramford to Norwich overhead line refurbishment
Over the next two years, we are carrying out essential work to refurbish the existing 400,000 volt overhead line that runs between Bramford substation in Suffolk and Norwich substation in Norfolk. This will enable us to carry more power down the lines to homes and businesses where it is needed.
The work is part of our wider investment programme to upgrade our existing electricity transmission network in East Anglia to deliver cleaner, greener electricity efficiently, reliably, and safely and to support the UK’s move to net zero.
Project description
The overhead line was originally constructed in 1968. It is nearly 62 kilometres in length and is made up of 198 pylons, mainly routed across rural landscape.
The two-year refurbishment programme involves replacing all the fittings and wires on the existing pylons along the length of the route, and making some changes to the existing network at Yaxley to replace a pylon and connect the overhead line into the new substation at Yaxley.
Our principal contractor, Balfour Beatty, is carrying out this work. The first activities involve clearing vegetation along the route and preparing the access points to the pylons.
The main refurbishment work will be carried out between April and September 2022, with the second phase, including reinstatement completed between January and November 2023.
How will these works affect local communities?
Our working hours are between 7:30am to 6pm Monday to Sunday.
You may see some activity on or near the overhead lines. We are working closely with our contractors to reduce disruption to local communities, and we have a dedicated community relations team on hand to answer any questions.
The overhead line is mainly routed across rural landscape. Where some pylons are closer to individual properties, we will contact those residents in advance.
The refurbishment work will not disrupt local electricity supplies.
National Grid Community Grant Programme
Our Community Grant Programme is aimed at organisations and charities in areas where National Grid’s work impacts on local people through our operations and site activities.
We fund projects run by charities and community groups that meet local community needs by providing a range of social, economic and environmental benefits. If your project meets our criteria, you can apply for a grant of up to £10,000.