Overview – Summer 2022
In July 2022, we started work on building 27 new lattice pylons in the northern section of the Hinkley Connection from Sandford to Seabank, near Avonmouth.
National Grid is using lattice pylons in and around Avonmouth, rather than the T-pylon design seen elsewhere on the Hinkley Connection route because at 50 metres high, the lattice design provides the height required across the River Avon, and means National Grid can navigate the tighter turning angles that are needed on the route between the River Avon and Seabank substation.
Our contractor, Balfour Beatty, erected the first lattice pylon next to the M49 on Tuesday 19 July 2022. Most pylons take up to four weeks to assemble with those near the River Avon taking approximately six weeks.
We expect all pylons to constructed and the wires in place by 2023. During the work to install the wires between the pylons, we’ll use controlled lifting systems and erect scaffolding where the wires cross over roads.
Our contractor, J Murphy and Sons, started work in February 2022 to modify the existing electricity, replacing nearby pylons at Crooks Marsh with new underground cables and make changes within Seabank substation. This work is set to be completed in late 2023.
To make way for the new 400,000 volt connection, National Grid is removing 67 kilometres of existing 132,000 volt overhead wires and 249 along the new connection route.
In 2021, we removed seven pylons from across the M49. During 2023, we we’ll take down another line of pylons between Portishead and Avonmouth substations, removing pylons from a residential area, including those near Avonmouth C of E Primary School and Daisy’s Nursery.
Thank you from everyone working on the project for your patience as we continue our work to deliver electricity safely, efficiently, and reliably, and support the UK’s ambition to achieve net zero by 2050.
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