National Grid Starts 40km Line Works, Installs 120-tonne Transformer
National Grid has announced a major programme to refurbish a 40-kilometre section of overhead electricity transmission lines between Mannington substation in East Dorset and Nursling substation in Southampton, as part of ongoing investment in the UK electricity network.
The works, scheduled to take place between June and November 2026, will involve replacing existing conductors with new wires, as well as upgrading steel structures and fittings across 115 pylons along the route. The project follows earlier refurbishment work completed in 2022–2023, with remaining sections now set for upgrade.
The contract has been awarded to Balfour Beatty, which has already begun preparatory activities including the creation of temporary access routes and site readiness work ahead of construction.
According to Stephen Fedzin, “This overhead line has been reliably transmitting power across the region for decades, and our upgrades will help ensure it continues to operate safely. It’s all part of our nationwide programme of work to maintain and develop vital infrastructure so it can keep delivering electricity to communities long into the future.”
In a separate development at Mannington substation, a 120-tonne supergrid transformer was recently delivered from Poole Harbour. The unit, transported under police escort over a 37-kilometre route, is equivalent in weight to around 20 African elephants and will support ongoing substation works.
National Grid said the combined projects aim to improve network resilience and ensure long-term reliability of electricity supply in southern England.
Source: nationalgrid.com
