Landmark project to remove pylons from views across Eryri

A ONCE-IN-A-GENERATION scheme is under way to improve the landscape around the Dwyryd Estuary in Eryri by rerouting power cables underground.

- ROBERT DALLING

The existing overhead lines are a highly visible and intrusive feature in one of the UK's most celebrated protected landscapes.

National Grid's flagship Eryri Visual Impact Provision project is addressing this by constructing a 3.4km underground tunnel beneath the estuary between Minffordd and Llandecwyn, allowing the removal of 3km of overhead lines and 10 electricity pylons.

With specialist expertise in railway tunnels, Network Rail's asset protection team is supporting the project by working closely with National Grid and its contractor, Hochtief UK, to provide engineering assurance for works on and near the railway.

The collaboration is helping the project to "progress safely and efficiently, protecting vital rail infrastructure while minimising impacts on the railway, local communities and the national park environment through careful coordination of access arrangements, construction safety and environmental compliance."