Since October 2022, National Grid has been working in partnership with its contractor Balfour Beatty to refurbish a 40km/25 mile stretch of overhead power line between Nursling and Mannington substations, this route runs through the counties of Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire.

Project description

Our multi-million pound refurbishment of the existing overhead power line to upgrade the network will ensure we can continue to provide a safe and reliable supply of electricity to homes and businesses in the area in years to come.

The main activities of this project will be carried out this year between May and October (2023). Residents may see our engineers as they work at height to carry out the refurbishment works. This includes the replacement of two 400kV circuits, conductor wires, insulators and other fittings on the pylons.

None of our work will affect electricity supplies in the area.



Timing

  • June to October 2022: Project preparation from technical professionals on the scheme

  • October 2022 to February 2023: First round of vegetation clearance work in line with the agreed Ecological mitigation requirements and licenses

  • March to May 2023: Second round of vegetation clearance works in line with the agreed ecological mitigation requirements and licenses

  • May to October 2023: Overhead line refurbishment work

  • October to December 2023: Demobilisation, reinstatement and expected completion


The route, which is made up of 116 pylons, begins at our substation in Mannington and runs east through the New Forest to our substation at Nursling.  

We expect there will be very limited road closures. You may notice temporary traffic management signage for site access, for example when we install scaffolding and netting underneath the overhead line where we’ll carry out our work.

Our work will also cross some footpaths and bridleways which we’ll close temporarily while we’re in the area. These closures are to ensure the safety for members of the public and our workforce when we are installing new conductor wires, this activity usually takes around ten days.

We have applied to the relevant local authorities for these closures which have been approved. However, roads, bridleways and footpaths will remain open until we work there. We will put posters up at key locations along the route which will provide information about the project and contact details for our freephone Community Relations helpline and project email address in case of any enquiries.

Please be assured we will do all we can to keep any disruption to a minimum while we carry out our essential refurbishment works, which we expect to complete by the end of this October (2023).

If you have any queries about our refurbishment project, please contact our Community Relations team on 0800 073 1047. They’re available daily from 7am to 7pm. Alternatively you can email [email protected].
 

National Grid Community Grant Programme

Due to the very nature of what we do – connecting people to the energy we all use – we’re at the heart of communities and each year we make a significant charitable investment in the UK. Our Community Grant Programme is aimed at community organisations and charities in areas where we impact local people through our essential works. We fund projects run by charities and community groups that meet local community needs by providing a range of social, economic and environmental benefits. If projects meet our criteria grants of up to £10,000 can be applied for.

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis. You can find more details here.