Summer 2020

Hinkley Connection Project

Project update National Grid | Summer 2020

Welcome to the summer update Over the last three months we’ve achieved a number of significant milestones to connect low carbon energy. We’ve started work to build the world’s first operational T-pylons, completed two work stages of the 14 that make up the project, and taken down the first of 67km of pylons owned by WPD.

Work starts along the route of the new T-pylon It’s nearly nine years since the innovative T-pylon design scooped first prize in a competition to find the next generation of electricity pylons. Danish engineering firm Bystrup beat 250 rivals to win contest organised by the Royal Institute of British Architects. In May, work finally started in Somerset to build the first operational T-pylons in the world. Our first activity is building a temporary haul road and the road access along the route of the pylons. Once built, the haul road will reduce the amount of construction and other project traffic on local roads

When we are working on public highways we will need to put up traffic lights or close narrow roads to keep everyone safe. We’ve already completed work to build a road access south off the A38 near Rooks Bridge and on Causeway in Woolavington

The table below show where we are currently carrying out work and all the locations where we will build haul road access and crossing point along the route. We recognise this work will cause delays to journeys and we’re sorry for any inconvenience. We’re working closely with our contractor, Balfour Beatty, to reduce disruption as best we can and aim to complete the roadworks as quickly as possible. Before work starts, we will write to nearby residents and keep parish councils updated. More information, including detailed information on locations and timings for our roadworks, can be found on our project website www.hinkleyconnection.co.uk/in your area or by calling our community relations team on 0800 377 7347.

Location                                Parish                                           Scheduled   dates                                                          More information

Pill Road                               Rooks Bridge                              13 July to 15 October                                                           Road closure

Butt Lake Road                     Mark Causeway                          13 July to 9 August                                                              Road closure

Burtle Road                           East Huntspill                             10 August to 11 September                                                  Road closure

Factory Lane                         East Huntspill                              August TBC                                                                        Traffic lights

B3141 The Causeway           Woolavington                              1 to 30 September                                                                Traffic lights

A39 Puriton Hill                    Puriton                                        1 to 30 September                                                                Traffic lights

Country lane south

of Southwick Farm                Southwick                                    1 to 30 September                                                                Road closure

Vole Road                              Mark                                            1 October (TBC) to 1 November                                         Road closure

A39 Bath Road                      Bridgwater                                   1 October to 1 November                                                   Traffic lights

Southwick Road                    Southwick                                    1 October to 1 November                                                    Road closure

Woolavington Road              Woolavington                               October 2020 to November 2020                                        Traffic lights

Northwick Road                    Mark                                             November to December 2020 (TBC)                                 Road closure

B3141 The Causeway           Woolavington                                December 2020 to January 2021 (TBC)                            Traffic lights

Please note these dates may change at short notice.

We recognise this work will cause delays to journeys and we’re sorry for any inconvenience. We’re working closely with our contractor, Balfour Beatty, to reduce disruption as best we can and aim to complete the roadworks as quickly as possible. Before work starts, we will write to nearby residents and keep parish councils updated. More information, including detailed information on locations and timings for our roadworks, can be found on our project website www.hinkleyconnection.co.uk/in your area or by calling our community relations team on 0800 377 7347.

Posted 15th August 2020