Latest updates

In summer 2024, we began preparing our sites for construction, for example by establishing construction compounds and creating access tracks to our sites. This early work to enable construction is nearing completion; most sites are ready for our teams to start main construction work. A new pylon has been erected in Tadcaster and the assembly of other pylons has started in other locations. Work to upgrade our overhead lines has also begun. 

We are pleased to report that the National Cycle Network Route 65 diversion between Overton Road and Station Lane is now open and will remain in place throughout the construction period.

We have laid foundations for our substations, and we are also getting ready to take delivery of some impressive pieces of equipment. 

Our team are doing all they can to minimise any inconvenience caused by our works, however, given the nature of the activity, it is likely that there will continue to be some disruption in areas we are carrying out our works.

Supergrid transformer deliveries

We will be receiving delivery of eight supergrid transformers between July and October 2025. Four will be delivered to our new Overton Substation and four to our new Monk Fryston Substation.

What is a supergrid transformer?

Supergrid transformers are large electrical devices used in substations to convert electricity into a higher or lower voltage. They are used to energise our substations which provide power to local homes and businesses. They weigh around 200 tonnes, which is equivalent to over 100 average sized cars. 

Due to the size of the transformers, they will each be delivered by expert haulage companies on a specialist delivery vehicle over 80 metres in length.

See below a photograph of a supergrid transformer. 

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Delivery arrangements

The specialist delivery vehicles will have a police escort to manage traffic and ensure the journey runs as smoothly as possible. We have carefully planned the works with our specialist haulage contractors and the necessary authorities to minimise disruption to the public and road users.

In some areas we will need to temporarily remove some street furniture, such as benches, litter bins and road signs, and put in place temporary parking restrictions to ensure the delivery vehicle can pass safely along the route.

It is important to note that the delivery of the transformers on the dates provided below are dependent on external factors including the weather and police capacity to undertake the required escort.

Keep an eye on this webpage for the latest updates. 

Overton Substation

Four transformers will be delivered to our new Overton Substation.

The first delivery to our Overton Substation is expected to be on Sunday 6 July 2025.

Following this, the remaining supergrid transformers will be delivered in August and October. 

All of the deliveries are expected to be made during the daytime.

The transformer will be transported by a specialist delivery vehicle from Teesport Docks, in Middlesbrough, over 50 miles via the highway network to our substation on Overton Road. 

The delivery route will follow the A19, through villages including Birdforth, Thormanby and Shipton by Beningbrough before turning onto Overton Road. 

Due to the size of the load, we will need to travel at a reduced speed, and some items may need to be removed from the highway to allow the load to pass safely.

See below a map showing the route from Teesport Docks to Overton Substation. 

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Monk Fryston Substation

Our Monk Fryston Substation will recieve a delivery of four new supergrid transformers. 

The transformers will be deliveed individually by a specialist delivery vehilce over 20 miles, from Goole Docks, along the M62 and across junction 42 of the A1 (M). It will then travel east along the A63, before turning onto Rawfield Lane where our Monk Fryston Substation is located. 

The first delivery to our Monk Fryston Substation is expected on Sunday 20 July 2025. 

Following this, the remaining supergrid transformers will be delivered in August and September.  

All of the deliveries are expected to be made during the daytime.

As with the Overton transformers, we will need to travel at a reduced speed and some items may need to be removed from the highway to allow the load to pass safely. 

See below a map showing the route from Goole Docks to Monk Fryston Substation.

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Upcoming and existing traffic management

To ensure the safe and timely completion of our preparatory works, we will need to put some traffic management measures in place around the areas we are working in. You can also view upcoming and existing traffic management on our interactive map.

These include:

Wighill Lane, Tadcaster - Tuesday 6 May until 28 June 2025

To enable us to carry out work to overhead lines and associated infrastructure we will need to use 'stop and go' boards to allow vehicles to safely access and leave our site. 

The stop and go boards will only be in place when required, and will not operate at all times. When not required, traffic will be able to flow normally.

Westfield Lane, South Milford - Thursday 12 June until Sunday 13 July and Friday 25 July until Thursday 5 August 2025

Westfield Lane will be closed to all vehicles and other road users near the junction with Whin Lane on two separate occasions this summer. The road closures will enable us to carry out reconducting works to our overhead power lines safely and efficiently.

1. Thursday 12 June to Sunday 13 July 2025, to allow our team to carry out reconducting works to our overhead power lines.
2. Friday 25 July to Tuesday 5 August 2025 to carry out additional wiring works to our overhead power lines.

Due to the nature of the works to be carried out and to ensure the safety of our teams and road users, the road closures will be in place at all times during these periods. Please note that the planned works will not affect power supplies to homes and businesses.

Public Right of Way (PROW) closure in Saxton

We are currently upgrading and reinforcing the overhead lines in the Saxton area. To help facilitate this work there will be restrictions in place along PROW to the north of the village of Saxton. These restrictions are expected to be in place across several dates in May, June and August 2025.

In order to carry out the required reconducting works, we will need to close some footpaths and bridleways which run to the north of the B1217 and along Chantry Lane, from Old London Road.

The closures will take place on the following dates:

• 15 May to 4 June
• 1 August to 15 August.

The signage for these planned closures will be in place from Friday 9 May 2025.

The following PROW will be subject to planned closures:

Bridleways:

• 35.44/1/1 (located north of Lead Hall Farm)
• 35.55/6/1 (located between Castle Hill Cottage and Low Lead Farm, off B1217 and crossroad section with Milner Lane)
• 35.44/4/1 (located north of Low Lead Farm)
• 3544/1/2 (located between Chantry Lane and Newstead Farm)
• 35.63/6/3 (located along Chantry Lane, accessed from Old London Road).

Footpath:

• 35.44/2/1 (accessed from B1217, south of Lead Hall Farm).

The restrictions are expected to be in place between 7am to 7pm on weekdays and weekends. Outside of these hours, if safe to do so, the restrictions will be removed. Not all of the PROW closures will be required to be in place at the same time, and we will only close the PROW when required. When they are required to be closed, they will operate within the 7am to 7pm window.

Stone deliveries in Overton and Monk Fryston

If you live in the Overton and Monk Fryston areas, you may have already noticed vehicles in the area delivering stone to our compounds. From Thursday 2 January 2025, the number of these deliveries to our site will increase for a period of between six to eight weeks. To minimise inconvenience, we are:

• instructing delivery drivers to access our sites via approved routes and follow directional road signage
• phasing our deliveries and holding delivery vehicles on site to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.

Given there may be some delays as a result of more vehicles on the road, we would encourage you to plan your journeys ahead and/or use an alternative route to make sure you can reach your destination on time.

If you experience any issues while stone deliveries are ongoing, please get in touch with our Community Relations eam.