Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve – Upcoming Works and Public Events Update
To protect wintering birds and other wildlife, National Grid schedules its construction activities within Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve to take place between March and September. Work starts again at the nature reserve at the end of March 2023.
Visitors will see the diamond insulators lifted into place onto the two T-pylons constructed last year within the reserve, installing of the wires onto the T-pylons and then removal of existing pylons. Colleagues will be on hand in the nature reserve on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 March and again on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 April and to answer any questions you might have about the works.
What will I see?
From 27 March to mid-May:
- Assembly and erection of the diamond-shaped insulators onto the T-pylons using cranes
- Hanging of wires that will carry high voltage electricity between the T-pylons
- Delivery of T-pylon components along the existing temporary road across Wharf Lane and into the port land
- Removal of the existing lattice pylons in the nature reserve
- Erection of scaffold either side of Wharf Lane to protect visitors when wires are being hung on T-pylons and removed from existing pylons
- Temporary closure of some footpaths in the nature reserve – details will be published on this website and around the reserve in advance
- Temporary closure of Sheepway from 12 April to 16 May
Why are the works needed in Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve?
The work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve is part of the Hinkley Connection Project, which involves building a new 57 kilometre, high voltage electricity line to connect six million homes and businesses to new sources of homegrown, low carbon energy
We’re building 68 new T-pylons for part of the route between Sandford and Portbury, and new traditional lattice pylons through Avonmouth into Seabank substation.
We are working with North Somerset Council, including the Reserve Warden, to ensure our agreed works are carried out to the Council’s satisfaction and to avoid disturbing local wildlife while ensuring the essential works are completed on time and with minimal disruption to visitors and wildlife.
How can we find out more about National Grid’s work at Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve?
Members of our project team, in branded National Grid Hi-vis jackets will be out and about on site on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 March 2023, handing out further information about the works and able to answer any questions.
Thank you
We recognise that our construction activity causes local impact, and we are working closely with our contractors to limit disturbance as much as possible.
Thank you from everyone working on the project for your patience as we continue our work to deliver electricity safely, efficiently, and reliably, and support the UK’s net zero ambitions.
To register to receive project updates direct to your inbox, or for questions about National Grid’s works in the nature reserve, contact the community team 24 hours a day on 0800 377 7347 and [email protected].
