Keeping local roads moving

Behind the scenes, a well-practised plan comes into action.

If an incident affects local roads, Avon and Somerset Police contact Hinkley Point C’s Emergency control room to activate ‘Operation Harold’. 

While the name might sound unusual, it stands for ‘Hinkley Alternative Routes Operating Local Diversions’ and signals a coordinated response designed to ease congestion and guide traffic safely, using five pre-planned diversion routes that can be put in place if needed. 

Safety is a priority, and at Hinkley Point C, team members regularly take part in training exercises with the police.

Thankfully, road closures are rare. In many cases, such as a fallen branch blocking the road, the action is simpler, with Hinkley Point C construction traffic held on the site while the road is cleared. 

Stacy Walker, Stakeholder Relations Manager, said: “Fortunately, these situations don’t happen often, but we want to be a good neighbour to our local community, and are ready to step in to keep people moving if needed.” 

STAY UPDATED

You can sign up for text alerts to receive notifications when Operation Harold goes live and for information on diversion routes. Simply email hinkley-enquiries@nnb-edfenergy.com or call 0333 009 7070.