Refurbishment of overhead power line route Cowley to Didcot: river closure notice
Published 15 February 2022
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/refurbishment-of-overhead-power-line-route-cowley-to-didcot-river-closure-notice/refurbishment-of-overhead-power-line-route-cowley-to-didcot-river-closure-notice
When
Wednesday 20 April 2022, from 6am to 10am.
Wednesday 1 June 2022, from 6am to 9am.
Where
Clifton reach, between Clifton and Culham Locks.
Details
Balfour Beatty have been contracted by the National Grid to undertake a full refurbishment of the 400KV Overhead Power line from Cowley Substation to Didcot Substation, this involves replacement of conductors (power line cables) on both circuits.
On the above dates and times the River Thames between Clifton and Culham Locks will be closed to all boating traffic. This is because Balfour Beatty will be installing on 20 April and then removing on 1 June scaffold netting below the overhead power lines that cross the River Thames 85 metres upstream of Appleford Railway Bridge.
A river closure is the only way to safely install and remove the scaffold netting across the river. Balfour Beatty have timed their works to take place as early in the morning as possible to ensure the minimal possible disruption to river users. The netting is required as a safety measure to protect river users whilst the works take place above to replace the conductors (power line cables). The conductors are required to be replaced by legislation.
The netting once installed will sit a minimum of 6.1 metres above the river bank height, therefore the headway provided will be significantly higher than the two bridges either side; Appleford Railway Bridge 3.96 metres or Culham Road Bridge 4.49 metres.
Any boats wishing to transit the reach early on one of these mornings who are impeded by the closure may moor temporarily at Culham or Clifton Locks for the duration of the closures.
We apologise for any inconvenience these works cause and thank you for your patience during this time.