Diverted overhead line transferred back to permanent location near Bridgwater
On the Horsey Levels north of Bridgwater, the Hinkley Connection team have been undertaking complex engineering works to return the overhead line back to its original location, following a temporary diversion.
To make the diversion possible, two temporary pylons were built nearby, and the overhead line pulled across. This ensured that the line could remain in service and energised, whilst new pylons were built and then older pylons removed.
National Grid originally planned for the temporary diverted line to be fastened to temporary masts. However, because of the length of time needed for the diversion to remain in place, the close proximity of the M5 motorway, and the need for the diversion to be in place over a winter period, it was decided to use two pylons instead of temporary masts. Measuring 50 meters in height, the temporary pylons secured the diverted line, 45 meters from its original location. A temporary earth wire was also installed to protect the temporary diverted line.
Once safely out of the way, two new pylons were built as part of the works on site. The older pylons were then removed.
Now attached to a new and rare nine armed junction pylon, the transferred overhead line ensures energy continues to flow from Bridgwater substation and across the network.
Gareth Thomas, Project Manager at National Grid said:
“This piece of engineering allowed us to not only maintain the line to Bridgwater but gave us the room to build a junction pylon to connect a new line to Melksham; providing greater resilience across the electricity network.
With the line transferred back, the redundant temporary pylons were dismantled over a series of 4 days. However, work on the overhead lines is still ongoing in the area, so residents will still see activity in the area. These works should complete by Spring 2025.”
Other construction works on site saw the undergrounding of a line to make room for a section of the new overhead lines between Horsey and the Huntspill River to tie into the same junction pylon.
When completed, the new high voltage electricity line will connect six million homes and businesses to new sources of low-carbon, homegrown energy including from the new Hinkley Point C power station.
