Bengeworth Road

Overview

UK Power Networks, the electricity distribution company that distributes electricity to consumers in the London area, requires National Grid to build a new connection to its high-voltage electricity transmission network, which we have a legal obligation to provide.

To achieve this, we need to build a tunnel access shaft, substation and headhouse
within UK Power Network’s existing substation site boundary at Bengeworth Road to connect to our London Power Tunnels (LPT) route.

By doing this work now as part of the tunnelling project, overall disruption will be minimised as UK Power Networks will not need to replace their existing cables which currently run beneath the local road network.
 

Key milestone achieved at Bengeworth Road

National Grid has been working on the site since Spring 2021 and since this time we have:

• Installed a temporary welfare and office accommodation block

• Completed the construction of the deep vertical tunnel access shaft which will connect the site to the new London Power Tunnels

• Secured a traffic diversion route through Kings College Hospital to significantly reduce the number of HGV movements on residential roads

• Achieved a negative screening assessment from Lambeth Council, which incorporates several measures to reduce the impact of our essential works on the local community

• Signed a Unilateral Undertaking with Lambeth Council, allowing our work to be closely monitored, including air quality levels.
   

Working hours

Our current working hours are:

• Monday - Friday 8am to 6pm

• Saturday 8am to 1pm
   

Construction traffic

We are minimising our construction traffic by:

• Using Kings College Hospital (KCH) Business Park for all HGV access to site, unless a hospital emergency means it is not available to use.

• Avoiding construction vehicles entering and leaving the site at peak times.

• Only vehicles notified in advance will be allowed on to site. All construction and managerial parking will be provided onsite to avoid any queuing or parking on residential streets.
   

Timeline

• August 2021 - May 2022 – Shaft works

• February 2022 – Engagement with local residents on substation and headhouse design

• Summer 2022 - Tunnel Boring Machine passage from New Cross to Bengeworth Road

• Winter 2022 - 2025 – Substation and headhouse construction

• 2026 – Work complete
   

Community relations

We are committed to keeping the local community informed about our plans. Over December 2020 and January 2021, we held three public engagement events with local residents.

Following this, we set up a Community Liaison Group (CLG) to work closely with residents and provide them with an opportunity to have any questions answered by the project team. Throughout 2021, we held seven CLG meetings and have so far held five in 2022. We plan to continue holding regular CLG meetings into 2023 to make sure neighbours and stakeholders are kept up-to-date with our progress.

You can access all presentations and minutes from previous events and meetings below.