All 143 pylons now completed on the Hinkley Connection Project
National Grid is celebrating the construction of all 143 pylons that make up the Hinkley Connection Project. 116 new T-pylons from Bridgwater to Portbury and 27 traditional lattice pylons in Avonmouth now feature on the 57km route, along with 8.5km of underground cables under the Mendip Hills national landscape.
The 143rd pylon, located in Crooks Marsh, was completed on 25 June. It is 50 metres tall and joins 26 traditional lattice pylons that have been built in Avonmouth over the past two years and which will form part of the UK's high voltage transmission network.
Once the conductors are installed it will connect into Seabank substation as the northernmost section of the Hinkley Connection, which will bring low carbon energy to 6 million homes and businesses across the country.
Following a week of piling work to prepare the foundations, sections of the pylon were hoisted into position using a large crane under ideal weather conditions. The arms of the tower were then lifted and connected in turn before the uppermost section was hoisted into place - known as 'topping off'.
As part of the project, 249 smaller traditional lattice pylons and 67km of overhead wires have already been removed from the landscape to make way for the new electricity connection.
National Grid project manager Alex Kraitman said:
"Erecting the last pylon is a huge milestone for the project and highlights just how much has already been undertaken. We now look ahead to test and commission the new lines in preparation for energisation, as well as returning the land to the way it was before construction began.
“The whole team is grateful to all of the local communities we’ve been working in for their patience as our work continues, moving us closer to a more resilient and secure low carbon energy supply for millions in the region.”
