Preparing to install conductors in Avonmouth
Innovative adaptation of existing system reduces disruption for local businesses and road users
National Grid is preparing to install conductors - a process known as stringing - between the newly built lattice towers that take the Hinkley Connection through Bristol Port land, over the River Avon, through Avonmouth and into Crooks Marsh to connect with Seabank substation.
The specialist overhead line team from principal contractor, Balfour Beatty has been straight to work this year beginning crucial preparations for these activities, technically referred to as stringing.
In a move that has been welcomed by local businesses, Balfour Beatty have adapted the methodology for deploying their catenary pulling system for use in Avonmouth’s busy industrial area.
This catenary system ensures that all people and equipment situated below are protected whilst conductors are being lifted and ropes and blocks are used to pull the conductors between the pylons and away from properties and businesses. The catenary system is typically used to replace or remove conductors but not to string new ones.
Using the catenary system in this area has provided a less obstructive alternative to scaffolding and so reduces the impacts National Grid's works have on local businesses and local road networks.
This work is being conducted in the safest and least disruptive way possible to ensure we can get our pylon stringing at Avonmouth underway
Teams began the erection of the pylons in July 2022 and now 21 of the 27 pylons to be built in the area are now constructed.
Commenting on the vital preparations, Hinkley Connection Project Director Steve Haskayne said: “I’m pleased to see the team get off to such a productive start to the year. This work is being conducted in the safest and least disruptive way possible to ensure we can get our pylon stringing at Avonmouth underway.
We would like to thank local businesses and residents for their support and patience as we build the future infrastructure the UK needs to deliver low carbon energy to millions of people”.
