Murphy has won a major project to construct underground cables between Nailsea and Portishead for National Grid, as part part of the Hinkley Point C connection scheme.
We will be constructing 10.7 km of underground 132kV cables from Nailsea to Portishead. This work will help deliver the new high-voltage electricity connection between Bridgwater and Seabank near Avonmouth.
Sue Adam, Hinkley Connection Project Director said: “The awarding of these contracts marks a major step forward on this vital connection project. It means that we will now be able to gear up to start construction work in earnest. We look forward to working with our new partners to deliver the many different elements of the work involved.
“This will see lots of construction work going on at different times and in different places over the next eight years. We and our newly appointed contractors will do everything we can to minimise impacts wherever possible.”
The new 400,000 volt connection will be 57 km long – consisting of 48.5 km of overhead line and 10.7km of underground cable, 8.5km of which passes through the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Putting the connection underground through the Mendip hills will reduce the overall effect on communities and the landscape. In addition, National Grid will be removing 67 km of overhead line owned by Western Power Distribution (WPD), including all pylons which currently cross the AONB and the company will also be using a new pylon design, known as the T pylon for much of the route.
John Murphy, Murphy CEO commented: “We’re pleased to have been awarded this contract by National Grid, and look forward to bringing our engineering expertise and skilled workforce to deliver such an important infrastructure project.”
Comprehensive information about the project can be found at: