Two 178 tonne supergrid transformers are set for delivery to National Grid’s new Bengeworth Road substation, which is under construction by National Grid and Linxon as part of the £1 billion London Power Tunnels 2 project to reinforce the capital’s electricity network.
Each weighing the equivalent of 30 African elephants, the transformers will be delivered to the substation in Lambeth from the Port of Tilbury on separate weekends in January and February, with haulage experts Allelys delivering the devices on specialist vehicles under police escort.
The first transformer’s journey – which is already underway by sea from Rotterdam – will take it from Port of Tilbury clockwise around the M25 to junction 10, north-eastward on the A3 via Wandsworth and Battersea, and onward through Lambeth to Coldharbour Lane (see editors’ notes for further route details).
To make sure the transformer completes its 77-mile journey safely and efficiently, a road closure will be in place on Coldharbour Lane, coming into effect at 11:59pm on Saturday 18 January until 6pm on Monday 20 January – during which time the transformer will be manoeuvred into Bengeworth Road substation.
A diversion route to access Coldharbour Lane will go up Lilford Road, across Flaxman Road, and down Kenbury Street.
Coldharbour Lane diversion
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Residents and local businesses have been notified of the planned road closure and diversion route, and will be informed in due course about similar arrangements planned for a second transformer delivery during the first weekend of February.
Transformers play a vital role in helping to ensure safe and reliable energy supplies, changing voltage levels up or down to make sure power can be transmitted and distributed safely around the country.
At Bengeworth Road the transformers will be part of a significant UK-first, with the facility set to become the country’s first and only substation free of the electrical insulating gas sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
The new Bengeworth Road substation connects in the centre of the 32.5km London Power Tunnels 2 route between Wimbledon and Crayford.
Last year National Grid energised the first of the project’s new electricity transmission circuits installed deep underground across the south of the city.
Two further supergrid transformers are planned for delivery to the project’s New Cross substation on Old Kent Road in February and over spring.
Joe Senior, project director for National Grid’s London Power Tunnels 2 project, said:
“Transformers are crucial high voltage devices needed to ensure reliable electricity supplies, and a huge amount of work goes into delivering them safely with minimal disruption.
“Our teams have been working closely with local and highways authorities to ensure a smooth operation, and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the local community whilst the work takes place.”
Local residents and businesses can find out more about the deliveries, the London Power Tunnels 2 project, and how it is supporting local communities, by contacting 0800 093 1716 or [email protected].
