A £24 million project to reinforce the electricity supplies of householders and businesses in Bicester and the surrounding areas has reached a key milestone this month, with over half of the ducting works already carried out.
In one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in central southern England and the largest single investment being undertaken as part of its eight year Business Plan from 2015 to 2023, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has now successfully completed over 10km of the 18km of ducting required to enable the installation of the new underground cable; allowing the expansion and improvement of the network that serves the residents and businesses of Bicester, Upper Heyford, Cottisford, Arncott, Headington, Yarnton, and Witney.
James Rooney, SSEN's Project Manager explains further: "The project requires just over 18km of new cable to be laid underground and to enable SSEN to do this ducting works are required. These are the conduits that are prepared to house and protect the cable, and they're the essential first steps of this multi-million pound project."
"Once the entire route has been ducted our contractors will commence the next phase to install, joint and test the cables from end to end."
"The manufacturing of the cable began back in August and will be ready in November when we aim to embed it in the ducting, ready for connection to the new substation that is being built at Bicester North."
Bicester itself is currently expanding year on year and, as a result, the network that provides its power is nearing full capacity. It's predicted that a further 10,000 homes will be built in the area in by 2030, so it's vital that the infrastructure is in place to support this expansion and future economic growth.
The entire project to complete the improvement works that will run from Bicester to East Claydon is scheduled for completion in late 2018. 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.