A new 155-tonne transformer travels to Berkswell Substation this weekend
An electricity transformer, the size of a bungalow, is being delivered to a National Grid substation at Berkswell, near Coventry, this weekend.
Transformers play a vital role in helping to ensure the UK continues to enjoy safe and reliable electricity supplies, and we are connecting a new one at Berkswell Substation to meet extra demand in the Coventry and Warwickshire area.
The transformer is expected to leave Goole Docks at 8am on Sunday 6 March and should arrive at Berkswell electricity substation by mid-afternoon.
It will be delivered on a specialist vehicle which is more than 5 metres tall, 5 metres wide and 58 metres long and will travel at approximately 12 miles per hour. We recommend that anyone in the Tile Hill area of Coventry, planning to use Sir Henry Parkes Road, Charter Avenue, Cromwell Lane and Hodgetts Lane on Sunday afternoon should try to find alternative routes or allow additional time for their journey.
Although there are no road closures, due to the size of the delivery vehicle carrying the transformer, it is necessary to change the orientation of the tractor to allow for the vehicle to travel down Cromwell Lane. This will be done at the junction of Cromwell Lane and Charter Avenue, and then again at the junction of Cromwell Lane and Hodgetts Lane. Each orientation is expected to take approximately 10 - 15 minutes. We have worked closely with National Highways and have carefully planned the route with our specialist haulage contractors Allelys, and Coventry City Council, to minimise the disruption to road users and residents. The vehicle will also have a police escort to help manage traffic and make the process as smooth and safe as possible.
National Grid project manager, Graham Horrocks, said: “Millions of people rely on us to supply their electricity without interruption, day in, day out, so it’s important that we keep our substations and the equipment in them working efficiently. The delivery of this transformer to Berkswell Substation will ensure we are able to continue to deliver power reliably to the local area.”
The transformer delivery is not connected HS2 work in the area and will not impact electricity supply in the area. Anyone with any queries about the delivery should contact [email protected] or call 0800 279 3408.
Contact for media information only:
Helen Blake
National Grid
+44 7790 824788
