A major upgrade to overhead electricity lines is set to begin next month.

National Grid will refurbish the 40km transmission route between Mannington substation in East Dorset and Nursling substation in Southampton, with work taking place between June and November.

The project includes reconductoring 115 pylons with new wires and refurbishing the steel structures and fittings along the route.

Stephen Fedzin, senior project manager at National Grid, said: “This overhead line has been reliably transmitting power across the region for decades, and our upgrades will help ensure it continues to operate safely.

National Grid overhead line refurbishment works similar to the scheme to be carried out between Mannington and Nursling (Image: National Grid)

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“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.”

The project follows an earlier phase of works completed in 2022–2023.

It supports National Grid’s wider investment in strengthening the electricity network across England and Wales to improve resilience and meet growing demand.

Balfour Beatty will carry out the works, with preparatory activity already underway to establish temporary access routes and prepare each pylon site.

No disruption to electricity supplies is expected during the programme.

In a separate project, a 120-tonne supergrid transformer was recently delivered to Mannington substation from Poole Harbour on Saturday, May 23.