Puriton Ridge
Current construction activity
| Date from | Date to | Activity |
| October 2021 | 2024 | Removing existing pylons |
| May 2020 | Ongoing | T-pylons and reinstatement between Bridgwater substation and Loxton |
| January 2023 | 2024 | Connecting T-pylons to the existing network |
| May 2020 | Ongoing | Access to public footpaths and rights of way |
| 2018 | Ongoing | Roadworks and traffic management |
Overview – Spring 2024
The world’s first T-pylons between Bridgwater and Loxton are energised and transporting electricity around the National Grid electricity network.
To make way for the new 400,000 volt connection, National Grid is removing 249 existing 132,000 volt lattice pylons, and overhead wires stretching 67 kilometres from the Somerset landscape. There is just one remaining lower voltage pylon to be removed early this year.
We have begun reinstatement across the new connection route, removing construction access, temporary roads and work pads. You may expect to see more construction traffic on local roads and we will be in touch ahead of any traffic management impacts.
Thank you from everyone working on the project for your patience and understanding as we progress with this vital work to connect six million homes and businesses to new sources of homegrown, low carbon energy, and help the UK meet its net zero ambitions.
Puriton Ridge timeline
Completed late 2022
Built new 400,000 volt overhead line
This work has been completed.
Work carried out:
Built a new overhead line from the existing Hinkley to Melksham overhead line, which is north of Woolavington, northwards to a new cable sealing end (CSE) compound just south of the Mendip Hills. See Mendip Hills for further information about the CSE compound.
Built temporary entrances and access roads to allow construction traffic to enter site from the local highway. You can find more information on our construction information page.
In this area, contractors used the temporary construction compound built north of Tarnock.
We will use T-pylons in this area, with the exception of where the overhead line connects to the existing overhead line.
Completed mid 2022
Removal of the existing 132,000 volt overhead line
This work has been completed.
Work carried out:
Removed existing overhead line from Bridgwater substation to the A368 in Sandford. This made way for, and minimised the visual impact of the new overhead line.
Mid 2022 to mid 2024
Upgrade Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line
What we're doing:
We are upgrading the wires on the existing pylons.
Late 2022 to late 2024
Build new 400,000 volt overhead line
What we're doing:
Building a new overhead line between the existing Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line on Horsey Level and the existing Hinkley to Melksham overhead line which is north of Woolavington.
Building temporary entrances and access roads to allow construction traffic to enter site from the local highway. You can find more information on our construction information page.
In this area, contractors will use the temporary construction compound built north of Tarnock.
We will use T-pylons in this area, with the exception of where the overhead line connects to existing overhead lines. When complete, this will become the new Shurton to Melksham overhead line.
Early 2023 to mid 2024
Modify Bridgwater substation
What we're doing:
Installing new electrical equipment, which is required as part of the upgrading of the existing Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line.
This work is being carried out within the existing substation boundary and does not require planning permission.
Mid 2023 to late 2024
Build Bridgwater Tee underground cable
This is the point at which the new overhead line connects to the existing Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line on Horsey Level.
What we're doing:
Building a temporary construction compound, and entrance and access road to allow construction traffic to enter site from the A39 Bath Road. You can find more information on our construction information page.
Connecting the new overhead line to the existing Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line on Horsey Level.
Removing a small section of the existing Hinkley to Bridgwater overhead line and replacing it with an underground cable. This will enable the overhead line to pass overhead.
Building two cable sealing end (CSE) compounds (approximately 34m by 30m) at either end of the underground cable to connect it to the existing overhead line.