Residents in Silsden are being warned of more disruption as the second phase of a £10m project to upgrade the town's electricity network begins.
The work by Northern Powergrid aims to improve the reliability and resilience of the electricity network serving the town.
Work began in May 2021 and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2025. The firm says a total of 60km of electricity cables - 55km of them overhead and 5km underground - are being replaced with more modern and sustainable alternatives.
Several sections of the overhead lines are being moved underground instead, with electricity poles removed.
The latest phase of work takes place from early August 2023 and runs until Spring 2024. It is being carried out by specialist contractor Excalon on Northern Powergrid’s behalf and involves excavating in the roadway, footpath or grass verge along the following routes, with signposted diversions in place when it is necessary to close the road:
- Bolton Road where multi-way traffic lights will be in operation from early August until the end of August 2023.
- Brown Bank Lane to Swartha Lane where a rolling road closure will be in place from the end of August to mid-end September 2023.
- Swartha Lane to Hawber Lane where a rolling road closure will be in place from mid-end September to the end of October 2023.
- Hawber Lane to the junction of Holden Road/Howden Road where a rolling road closure will be in place of the end of October to the end of November 2023.
Northern Powergrid and Excalon are working with Bradford Metropolitan District Council to agree the best routes and times for the work to take place. To reduce disruption, work on Bolton Road is taking place over the school summer holiday period when the roads are quieter.
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times and Northern Powergrid will ensure that any businesses affected can make arrangements to continue to receive their deliveries. It is possible that some sections of on street parking will be temporarily suspended, but signage will be installed to notify users in advance of work starting.
There are no plans to turn off power supplies and it is unlikely that access to premises will be required.
Northern Powergrid says it is committed to keeping local people informed and will be writing to everyone directly affected to let them know the date that work will take place in their immediate vicinity. There's also an opportunity for residents and business owners to meet the project team at Silsden Town Hall on Tuesday 18th July between 2pm and 6pm.
John Halliday, Project Manager, Northern Powergrid said: “The new equipment we’re installing is capable of meeting the existing demand for power, as well as any future increase in demand as the area develops, the population grows and people become more reliant on electricity to power businesses and public buildings, provide heating and charge electric vehicles.
“Although the work is essential, we’re always very aware of the potential impact 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 be issuing information to all affected customers to explain what we’ll be doing and when. Our letters will also provide details of how to sign up for free to our Priority Services Membership which offers extra support to customers who may be more vulnerable.”
You can find out more about the project at northernpowergrid.com/silsden
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