Northern Powergrid, the company responsible for the electricity network that powers everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire is about to start a £4.6 million investment to upgrade the electricity network serving Durham Services and surrounding areas. This will support future demand as the population grows and more electricity is needed to power homes, businesses and transport.
This project was made possible after Northern Powergrid successfully secured £53 million through a national Green Recovery Scheme that enabled electricity network companies across the country to accelerate investment in vital local electricity networks and unlock additional capacity for green growth projects like electric transport and heating as well as wider infrastructure development.
Starting in late July 2023, the work will create capacity for Durham Services to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle charging along the A1/M1 corridor.
The project will see Northern Powergrid refurbishing the existing 20kV substation located on the A688 Thinford Lane, Thinford. From late July 2023 to early February 2024 it will also be laying new underground electricity cables between the substation and Durham Services located on the A688 near Bowburn.
The underground cabling work will involve digging in the roadway and/or footpath/grass verges along A688 Thinford Lane and sections of the A177 Thinford Road and Thinford Road/Bridge Street at Metal Bridge. To reduce disruption, the work on the main A roads will take place using multi-way traffic lights between 7pm in the evening and 6am in the morning. The work in Metal Bridge will be carried out in short sections with two-way traffic lights in operation.
Northern Powergrid is working with Durham County Council and local councillors to ensure the programme causes the least possible disruption and is committed to providing ongoing communication to keep everyone up to date.
A letter is being issued to homes and businesses that may be impacted.
Stuart Besford, Project Manager, Northern Powergrid said: "We're always aware of the potential impact of our work on people's everyday lives, which is why we're doing all we can to support and communicate with the local community while we carry out this important investment in the area's electricity network.
"We'll work with everyone affected to let them know the date that work will take place in their immediate vicinity, as well as providing updates via local councillors, local media and social media. Our letters will also provide details of how to sign up to our free Priority Services Membership which offers extra support to customers who may be more vulnerable."
"We'll also be speaking directly to businesses to make arrangements for them to continue to receive and make deliveries."
To find out more about this work, email generalenquiries@northernpowergrid.com or call 0800 011 3332.
