NORTHERN Powergrid is about to start the first phase of a major £30 million upgrade to the electricity network serving Bradford.

Taking place between now and the end of 2022, the work focuses on replacing five of the major circuits that supply electricity to approximately two thirds of Bradford’s homes and businesses. 

The firm says this work will ensure that the local electricity network is capable of meeting the existing demand for power, as well as any future increase in demand as the population grows and more households swap their cars for electric ones.

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The first phase of the work will see Northern Powergrid upgrade two underground electricity circuits that run between its Bradford West substation in Thornton and its Girlington substation with more modern and sustainable alternatives.

This phase of work, which runs from now until winter 2020, will involve excavating in the road or footpath along a route that runs along:

  • Old Allen Road to Back Lane, Thornton
  • Back Lane to Cote Lane via Allerton Road
  • Cote Lane to Bracewell Avenue via Allerton Lane
  • Bracewell Avenue to Bell Dean Road
  • Bell Dean Road to Thornton Road (B6145)
  • Thornton Road to Cemetery Road (at Four Lane Ends)
  • Cemetery Road to Duncombe Road, Girlington

The following work is scheduled to take place during November/December 2019:

  • Between Monday 11 and Monday 18 November there will be a total road closure at the junction of Back Lane and Old Allen Road. Signposted diversions will be in place along Dean Lane, Egypt Road, Black Dyke Road, and Lane Side.
  • Work will then continue in the roadway along Allerton Road from the junction of Old Allen Road to the junction of Cote Lane throughout the rest of November and up to December 20. Traffic management will be in use along this route.
  • Depending on progress made, work may possibly start along the top end of Cote Lane at the junction with Allerton Road before Christmas. This work will take place in the grass verge, so there will be little or no disruption to traffic.

Northern Powergrid’s vegetation management team will also be working in the area on November 15 when there will be a one-day road closure at the junction of Cullingworth Road and Hallas Lane, Cullingworth while the company clears trees away from its overhead power lines.

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Northern Powergrid does not plan to turn off power supplies as part of the work, however, investment work of this nature will cause some disruption to local motorists, residents and businesses.

Steve McDonald, Northern Powergrid’s General Manager for the West Yorkshire Region, said: “We’re very aware of the potential impact on people’s everyday lives, so we’re working closely with Bradford Council to agree the least impactful routes and times so we can minimise disruption wherever possible. 

“In addition, we’re actively working with the council and local councillors to ensure people know exactly what’s happening, why it’s important for their community and what we’re doing to minimise the impact wherever we can.

"Our teams will be out and about in the areas that will be directly affected delivering letters and leaflets.  They’ll be talking with residents and businesses about the work we’re doing to improve the network that powers their everyday life and our free Priority Services Register which offers extra support to customers who may be more vulnerable.”

A second phase of work for this investment in Bradford’s power network is planned to start in May 2020. Further details of timings and routes will be shared in the coming months.                         

While Northern Powergrid is not planning to turn off the power as part of this programme of work, it has free Priority Services Register for anyone who may need extra support in a power cut due to their medical or personal circumstances. To find out more  visit www.northernpowergrid.com/care or call 0800 169 2996.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the investment work can also visit northernpowergrid.com, contact Northern Powergrid’s customer care team by calling 0800 011 3332 or by email generalenquiries@northernpowergrid.com

The network operator is also available 24/7 on Facebook and Twitter.