Drivers warned as work on power lines continues

National Grid says the first phase of refurbishing its overhead electricity power line between Dungeness and Sellindge has been completed successfully.

The huge scheme, which includes maintaining the pylons and replacing the wires between the 85 towers along the 25km (15.5 mile) line linking the two substations, started in March.

All work is due to be complete by the end of the year, but during the project more roads and footpaths will need to be closed temporarily to ensure the safety of the public and the workforce.

Details of the latest closure have just been released by National Grid. These include:

Aldington via Boat Lane, New Road Hill, Forge Hill, Roman Road and B2067 Knoll Hill from today (Thursday) until October 16, with Knoll Hill closed between 7am and 6pm daily.

Bonnington via B2067 Bonnington Road, Newchurch Road and unnamed roads to Newchurch and Frogmore Lane and Frostland Lane, from October 5 to October 20, with Frostland Lane closed between 7am and 6pm daily.

The power line runs through the parishes of Smeeth, Sellindge, Aldington, Bonnington, Bilsington, Newchurch, St Mary-in-the-Marsh, Ivychurch, Old Romney and Lydd. All the town and parish councils have been told.

Access will be maintained for residents and businesses and the work should not result in interruption to electricity supplies.

National Grid project manager Graham Livings said: “We need to close these roads to ensure our work can be done safely and efficiently.

“However we’re mindful of the disruption road closures can cause and we’re doing all we can to keep them to a minimum and will also lift the closures when we’re not working.

“By replacing and upgrading the overhead line we’ll help ensure local people keep on enjoying safe and reliable electricity supplies.”

‘We’re mindful of the disruption road closures can cause’

For more information call the Community Relations Team on 0800 731 1231 or email info@ communityrelations.co.uk