Puxton to Kenn
National Grid is continuing to work on the northern section of the Hinkley Connection route. This route runs between Sandford and Seabank substations, passing west of Nailsea and east of Tickenham village.
This is part of the Hinkley Connection Project, a significant investment in the region’s electricity network. The project aims to connect new sources of low-carbon energy to homes and businesses to the new Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset.
Upcoming construction works
- Testing and preparation: All 68 new T-pylons between Sandford and Portbury are built and wired. These connect to 27 new lattice pylons stretching from Bristol Port, across the River Avon, to Seabank substation. Work continues to test and commission both T-pylons and lattice pylons through Avonmouth, ahead of energisation in late 2025.
- Current activities: re removing temporary roads, access points, and culverts used during construction.
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.
Puxton to Kenn Timeline
Completed Mid 2023
Modifications to the existing 132,000-volt overhead line to Weston-super-Mare
Work included:
- Building temporary entrances and access roads to allow construction traffic to enter site from the local highway. You can find more information on our construction information page.
- Building a new connection from Sandford substation to the existing overhead line that goes to Weston-super-Mare. It will be made up of 700m of underground cable and nine new lattice pylons. This is to ensure local electricity supplies are maintained.
- Removing 1.5 km of the existing overhead line to Weston-super-Mare that runs north-west from Sandford towards Puxton.
Completed Mid 2024
Construction of a new 400,000-volt overhead line
Work included:
- Building temporary entrances, crossing points and access roads to allow construction traffic to enter site from the local highway.
- Building a new overhead line from Sandford substation to Seabank substation (approximately 31.2 km).
- Constructing T-Pylons along this section of the overhead line route.
Removal of the existing 132,000-volt overhead line
Work included:
- Removing the existing overhead line from the A368 in Sandford to Avonmouth.
2025 to late 2026
Work taking place:
- Reinstatement works to restore 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.
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