Puriton Ridge
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.
Upcoming construction works
The remaining activity in this area will see the existing overhead lines from Shurton substation upgraded from 275,000 volts to 400,000 volts and connect into the southernmost section of new T-pylons at Horsey, north of Bridgwater. This connection will be via a new nine-armed junction pylon. At Horsey, a new underground cable has been installed and energised, which connects Shurton substation to Bridgwater substation. This frees up space for us to connect a new overhead line into the same junction tower.
As we continue construction in this area, you might see more construction vehicles on local roads. We will keep you updated about any traffic management changes in advance.
Puriton Ridge Timeline
Completed Mid 2022
Removal of 132,000-volt overhead line
Work included:
- The removal of the overhead line from Bridgwater substation to the A368 in Sandford, minimising the visual impact of the new overhead line.
- The removal of the overhead line from Bridgwater substation to the A368 in Sandford, minimising the visual impact of the new overhead line.
Completed Late 2022
Construction of 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-Late 2024
Upgrading the Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line
Work included:
Upgrading wires on existing pylons.
Modification of Bridgwater substation
Work included:
Installing new electrical equipment within the existing substation boundary.
Construction of Bridgwater Tee underground cable
Work included:
- Constructing a temporary construction compound.
- Removing a section of the existing overhead line and replacing it with an underground cable.
Construction of new 400,000-volt overhead line
Work included:
- Constructing a new overhead line between Hinkley and Bridgwater at Horsey.
- Removing temporary towers over the M5 motorway.
2025 to late 2026
Connecting the new overhead line
Work will include:
- Connecting the new overhead line to the existing Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line at Horsey.
Reinstatement work:
Work will include:
- Restoring access to public footpaths and rights of way, with potential roadworks and traffic management in place.
- Restoring access to public footpaths and rights of way, with potential roadworks and traffic management in place.
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.
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