Since construction began at the start of 2021, the team has laid an 8.5-kilometre underground cable between Loxton and Sandford through the Mendip Hills National Landscape. The route is made up of 12 high-voltage cables laid across four underground trenches. This has allowed us to remove 35 pylons from the Mendip Hills, leaving it pylon-free for the first time since the 1930’s. 

Following the path of the temporary haul road used during construction, the new permanent route will provide National Grid with long-term access to safely inspect and maintain the underground electricity infrastructure. It will also provide access for emergency services, while being designed to blend naturally into the surrounding countryside.

Unlike a traditional concrete road, Grasscrete combines a reinforced concrete structure with open spaces that are filled with soil and seeded with grass. This gives the route the strength needed to support maintenance vehicles while allowing vegetation to grow through the surface. It also uses less concrete and allows rainwater to drain naturally.

Construction began in November 2025 and took place in two phases, from preparing the ground and laying foundations to pouring the concrete and reinstating verges and fencing. The installation of the topsoil and grass seed began in late May, with around 80% of the route now covered. 

Over the coming months, the grass will continue to establish across the surface, helping the route blend further into the neighbouring fields while maintaining the durability needed to support the electricity network for decades to come.

Robbie Griggs, Project Manager at National Grid, said:

This milestone represents much more than the completion of a piece of infrastructure. It's the final step in restoring land used during construction of our underground cable route and reflects our commitment to leaving a positive legacy. Reaching this stage is the result of several years of work by our project team, delivery partners and local landowners. Throughout, we've worked closely with communities to build the infrastructure needed to strengthen the electricity network, while carefully restoring land following construction. I'd like to thank local landowners and communities for their continued patience and support. With the grass now establishing, we're looking forward to seeing the route fully blend into the landscape over the months ahead.

To find out more about the Hinkley Connection Project and the latest project updates, visit: nationalgrid.com/hinkleyconnection.