Ground works on a major project to reinforce the electricity supplies of homes and businesses in Bicester and the surrounding areas has now been completed -on schedule and on budget.
 
The £24 million works, which form the largest single investment being undertaken by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) as part of its eight year Business Plan to 2023, are vital to improve the resilience of the infrastructure that supplies areas including Arncott, Bicester, Cottisford, Headington, Upper Heyford, Witney and Yarnton.

The completed ground works, which are referred to as ducting, are needed to prepare for the new cabling to be fed through and jointed, and this latter part of the process will continue over the winter months.

SSEN's Project Manager, James Rooney explains: "Development in and around Bicester means the network bringing power to the area is reaching full capacity, so this project is essential to keep the lights on for local communities for many years to come.

"Part of these works involves nearly 20km of cable to be laid underground and includes the construction of crossing points for both the HS2 and East West railway links. With the ducting phase now completed, we're on the next stage of feeding the cable along these ducts where they will ultimately be connected to the newly-built substation at Bicester North."

"It's thanks to the support we've had from communities, local authorities and organisations that we've been able to carry out the work to date without delay and I'd like to express our gratitude to them for their patience while we continue these essential improvements."

Expansion of residential and business premises in and around Bicester is expected to see a further 10,000 homes built there over the next twelve years and SSEN's improvement works from Bicester to East Claydon are scheduled to complete towards the end of next year.

As a responsible network operator SSEN's project team is working closely with the local community, landowners, highway authorities and environmental and ecological groups to ensure cooperation and minimal disruption to those who live and work in the area.

To find out more about the project and to see updates on the works, please click here.