East Huntspill to Mendips
National Grid is approaching the final stages of works to the southern section of the overhead line associated with the Hinkley Connection Project, a significant investment in the region’s electricity network.
The project aims to connect homes and businesses to low-carbon energy from the new Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset.
In this area, National Grid has removed 249 lower voltage lattice pylons and overhead wires to make way for the new 400,000-volt connection. This work, stretching 67 kilometres across the Somerset landscape, was completed in 2022. Additionally, the new T-pylons between Bridgwater and Loxton are now energised and transporting electricity around the National Grid electricity network – this work was also completed in 2022.
In the same year, we also removed 99 pylons between Bridgwater and Sandford, leaving part of Mendip Hills National Landscape pylon free for the first time in almost 100 years. We are pleased to have been able to run this section of the Hinkley Connection Project through this very special landscape via an underground cable, in response to community feedback we received during consultation on the project.
Upcoming construction works
- Reconfiguration at Huntspill Split: Reconfiguration works of the existing and new lines will be taking place at Huntspill Split from late 2025 to early 2026, although this is subject to change. This will involve the diversion of overhead lines to support the energisation of the southern section of the Hinkley Connection Project.
- Reinstatement works: We will be working to restore access to public footpaths and rights of way. To facilitate these works, roadworks and traffic management may be in place. Reinstatement is due to complete in late 2026.
You might see more construction vehicles on local roads in East Huntspill and Woolavington, and some construction activity. We will keep you updated about any traffic management changes in advance.
East Huntspill to Mendips Timeline
Completed Mid 2022
Removing an existing 132,000-volt overhead line
Work included:
- Removing the existing overhead line from Bridgwater substation to the A368 in Sandford. This made way for and minimised the visual impact of the new overhead line.
- Removing the existing overhead line from Bridgwater substation to the A368 in Sandford. This made way for and minimised the visual impact of the new overhead line.
Completed Late 2022
Constructing a new 400,000-volt overhead line
Work included:
- Constructing a new overhead line from the existing Hinkley to Melksham overhead line, which is north of Woolavington, northwards to a new cable sealing end (CSE) compound just south of the Mendip Hills. See Mendip Hills for further information about the CSE compound.
- Using T-pylons in this area, with the exception of where the new overhead line connects to the existing overhead line.
- Constructing temporary entrances, access roads, and a construction compound north of Tarnock.
Completed Mid 2024
Install a temporary haul road and construction compounds
Work included:
- Building two temporary construction compounds and a temporary entrance and access road off the A38, north of Tarnock, to allow construction traffic to enter the site from the local highway. Work started on the access and compounds in 2019.
- Installing site offices and internal and external storage facilities to support the work to build a 400,000-volt underground cable across the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The other temporary site compound is being used for the construction of the 400,000-volt overhead line and removal of the existing 132,000-volt overhead line in the area.
2025 to Late 2026
Work taking place:
- Reconfiguration works at Huntspill Split
Reconfiguration works will be taking place at Huntspill Split from late 2025 to early 2026, although this is subject to change.
Reinstatement works
Works will include:
- Restoring access to public footpaths and rights of way. To facilitate the above works, roadworks and traffic management may be in place. Reinstatement is due to complete in late 2026.
- Restoring access to public footpaths and rights of way. To facilitate the above works, roadworks and traffic management may be in place. Reinstatement is due to complete in late 2026.
Thank You
Thank you from everyone working on the project for your patience and understanding as we work to toward completion. This project will play a key role in helping the UK meet its net zero ambitions by transmitting cleaner, homegrown, energy around the UK – enough to power six million homes and businesses.
For regular updates sign up to our newsletter.