New Essential Infrastructure
Fleet to Lovedean Overhead Line
The overhead lines running between Fleet and Lovedean have been operational for many years and National Grid has identified the route as needing refurbishment. This includes changing the wires and the glass insulators along the whole route and painting is also required on a limited number of pylons. This this will ensure you continue to receive a reliable supply of electricity for your homes or businesses across the Hampshire area for years to come.
Project description
The overhead line route covers 41km in length and approximately 118 pylons. The route crosses through three local council areas across Hampshire, including Hart, East Hampshire and Winchester. The route also goes through the very sensitive South Downs National Park and runs close to the Buster Hill National Nature Reserve.
This multi-million pound investment will involve the replacement and refurbishment of lines along the route ensuring that the electricity supply is suitable for generations to come.
The project has been planned over many months with the contractor, Balfour Beatty, and from November 2019, on site preparations will begin. These preparations will include crucial survey works, clearing any necessary vegetation along the route and preparing access points for National Grid workers and equipment to reach the pylons. It is therefore likely that you will begin to see National Grid or Balfour Beatty workers along the length of the route from late 2019.
The programme of work will be completed in sections during 2020 and will have no impact on power supplies in the area. The main replacement and refurbishing work on the overhead lines is due to take place between April and late September 2020, with the last of the reinstatement work due to be completed by the end of 2020.
The majority of work will be carried out between 7am – 7pm up to seven days a week. However, there are exceptional circumstances where working outside of these may be necessary.
How will these works affect me?
The aim is that this work will cause as little impact to your daily life as possible. Depending on where you live and work, the effects will differ. However, many of the pylons and lines that require access are in relatively remote locations and therefore, potential access difficulties are expected but should be minimal. Some areas of work are within residential areas and we will be in close contact with those residents and businesses who will be potentially affected.
We have worked closely with the statutory authorities and councils to ensure transport and other access issues are managed and coordinated locally to minimise disruption to the community whilst these essential works are completed.
National Grid's Community Grant Programme
National Grid have a Community Grant Programme that is aimed at organisations and charities in areas where National Grid’s work impacts on local people through operations and site activities. Projects run by charities and community groups can receive funding if they 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. To find out more click here.