Project Overview
In Spring 2020 we embarked upon a seven-year, £1 billion project, to rewire South London via deep underground tunnels. This vital work will help keep Londoners connected to safe and reliable electricity supplies.
In total, 32.5km of 3m diameter tunnels are being constructed deep below the road network between Wimbledon and Crayford, which will carry high voltage electricity cables.
Most of the electricity supply in South London is currently transmitted through underground cables, traditionally found just below the road surface. Work to maintain them is carried out at street level and can be disruptive.
By housing new electricity cables in deep underground tunnels, there will be a number of benefits:
- Less disruption during construction as the majority of works will take place deep underground
- Future repairs and maintenance work can be carried out without disrupting traffic, residents and businesses
- Additional cables can be installed in the tunnels to meet future demand
Tunnel construction is well underway, with the project due to be complete and fully operational in 2027. It follows the successful completion of phase 1 in 2018, which was a seven-year, £1 billion programme, building 32km of tunnels and two new substations in North London.