Section 4: River Ouse crossing
Our proposals for Section 4, across the River Ouse, are explained in detail in the Corridor Preliminary Routeing and Siting Study and in overview in our Project Background Document.
This is a short 2.5 km section of the preferred corridorthat crosses the River Ouse and directly interacts with the Humber Estuary internationally designated sites. The corridor extends to the east and west of the existing overhead line that crosses the western-most extent of the RSPB’s Blacktoft Sands Nature Reserve.
It is anticipated that no permanent structures wouldneed to be constructed within the international designated sites, reducing the likelihood of permanent habitat loss within the sites. This section of our swathe contains two alternative paths; one to the east and one to the west of the existing overhead line.
The distance between any new overhead line and the existing overhead line would need to be greater across the River Ouse in comparison with other sections of the emerging preferred corridor. Taller pylons would be required to ensure that the conductor wires do not interfere with the passage of vessels along the river.
The eastern path of the swathe would run closely in line with the existing overhead line crossing the river, offering opportunities to closely match the profile and heights of the existing line over the river. The western path runs broadly parallel to the existing line and deviates slightly westwards at Ousefleet, offering opportunities to avoid any new overhead line oversailing residential properties.
The decision about whether to cross the River Ouse overhead is one which will be informed by feedback and engagement with stakeholders such as Natural England, the RSPB and other nature conservation organisations, as well as by the results of extensive site surveys. An underground cable crossing, if geologically and technically viable, would result in very significant increases in cost and potentially delay the completion date for the project.
Thank you for all the feedback received about this section of the route. We will explain how feedback received at the first stage of consultation has shaped and influenced our plans when we present more detailed proposals at our next round of consultation in 2024.
