Hinkley Connection Project – underground cables between west end of Nailsea and Portishead substation

National Grid starts work to install the underground cables between Nailsea and Portishead substation in January 2020.

The cables are part of National Grid’s Hinkley Connection Project which, once complete, will connect new sources of low carbon energy, such as Hinkley Point C, to homes and businesses.

National Grid’s contractors on the underground cable, J Murphy & Sons Ltd, will start work at various locations building temporary entrances and access roads, developing access routes, and installing secure fencing around the whole of the construction area.

The first stage of work begins on 7 January, with building temporary road entrances to our construction areas from Engine Lane and Hanham Way/Watery Lane in the west end of Nailsea. This work requires the use of temporary traffic lights on Engine Lane and Hanham Way, with diverted pedestrian access towards the lower end of Hanham Way and Watery Lane.

When the access roads are complete and the construction area is fenced and secure, work will begin on excavating trenches to construct ducts and joint bays for the cables and installation and connection of the cables.

The nature of the trenching and cable laying process means that residents will in some areas see intense periods of activity, along with quieter phases, but access will remain controlled throughout the construction period.

National Grid expects to complete the work by Autumn 2021. Once the cables are in place and operational, the next step is to start to take down existing pylons and prepare to build new T-Pylons to the west of Nailsea. This work will be undertaken by Balfour Beatty. Details of the T-Pylon construction programme are being finalised and will be available early next year.