UK-based transmission network operator National Grid has begun the second phase of a multi-million pound project to build a new tunnel for high-voltage underground electricity cables between its substations at Rowdown and Beddington, near the London borough of Croydon.
National Grid has stated that tunneling has started north towards Beddington after the first phase from Kent Gate Way to Rowdown was completed at the end of 2007.
The tunnel is being built by National Grid and its principal contractor Morgan Est to reinforce the electricity transmission network in the southeast UK. The tunnel will be 10km in length and will house a new 400kV cable when work is completed in 2011.
Construction of a tunnel shaft has also taken place at Lloyd Park, where a new head house and pavilion will be built as part of the project.
Jim Street, senior project manager for National Grid, said: We are very pleased with the progress that we have made since our construction works began in 2006. This approach to replacing electricity cables avoids causing major disruption to the road network and helps us meet increasing energy demand in the southeast.