05 July 2010
EDF Energy Networks is about to start work on a multi-million-pound project to improve the electricity distribution network in West Sussex.
The company is investing £4million to increase the capacity of its 132,000-volt network that feeds Crawley and the surrounding areas. The project includes the laying of new high-voltage underground cables to increase the capacity of the circuits that head north out of the major substation in Bolney.
In order to carry out the excavation work for this project, a short section of Wineham Lane, Bolney, will be closed from Friday, July 23, for four weeks. During this time a diversion route will be put in place, incorporating Twineham Lane, following it to the junction of B2116 Henfield Road following on to Hurstpierpoint Road and end at the junction with Wineham Lane.
Wineham Lane will be closed off from the junction with Bob Lane to 600 metres north (towards the junction with the A272) in 100 metre stages to minimise disruption to residents within the closure points. Access for those residents within the closure zone will be controlled by our contractor’s staff who will help residents as quickly as possible.
The new underground cables are needed because the old ones limit the amount of power that can flow to the more remote parts of the area. Once the work is complete, the circuits will be able to meet the increased demand that is expected for many years to come.
Barry Hatton, EDF Energy Networks Director of Capital Programme, said: “This essential project represents a major investment in maintaining and improving the energy infrastructure in the area for the foreseeable future.
“EDF Energy Networks is determined to provide a reliable supply of electricity and this project is part of our commitment. We hope people will understand the need for this work to be undertaken and would like to assure them it will be carried out with the utmost consideration for the community.”
During the works our contractor, J Murphy and Sons Ltd, will be installing new ducts to allow for the installation of the new cables. In order to minimise the length of disruption, they will be working seven days a week from 8am to 5pm.
The company and its contractor will be making every effort to carry out this work in a manner which minimises any impact on residents businesses, motorists and pedestrians. We have worked closely with the local authorities to ensure clear directions for traffic.
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For more information please contact: Andrew Drinkwater or Charlotte Mitchell in the EDF Energy press office on 01293 509144
Notes to editors:
EDF Energy is one of the UK’s largest energy companies, producing around one-fifth of the nation's electricity from its nuclear, coal and gas power stations, as well as combined heat and power plants and wind farms. The company provides power to a quarter of the UK’s population via its electricity distribution networks and supplies gas and electricity to more than 5.5 million business and residential customers. It is the number one supplier of electricity to major business in the UK.
EDF Energy’s safe and secure operation of its eight existing nuclear power stations at sites across the country makes it the UK’s largest generator of low carbon electricity. EDF Energy is also leading the UK's nuclear renaissance and has published plans to build four new nuclear reactors, subject to the right investment framework. These new plants would generate enough low carbon electricity for about 40% of Britain’s homes. They would make an important contribution to the UK’s future needs for clean, secure and affordable energy. The project is already creating business and job opportunities for British companies and workers.
Through Our Climate and Social Commitments EDF Energy has launched the biggest environmental and social programme of any UK energy company. EDF is the official energy utilities partner and sustainability partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The company is also helping its customers and others use energy more sustainably through products and initiatives such as Read, Reduce, Reward and Team Green Britain.
EDF Energy is part of EDF Group, one of Europe’s largest power companies. Following the integration with British Energy in 2009, the company employs nearly 20,000 people at locations across the UK.