New solution to power line removal problem in Cairngorms National Park
An energy giant has moulded a new solution to prevent road closures as part of a project to removal transmission pylons in the strath.
SSEN Transmission’s £31.9m VISTA project will result in 46 transmission towers and 12 kilometres of overhead line from the Cairngorms National Park.
The initial construction plan for the project including a series of temporary road closures to ensure work could be carried out safely.
However, a SSEN spokesperson explained that they would not use a technique called moling to get around the problem.
It follows feedback from the local community which highlighted the impact local road closures would have including on local and school bus services.
She said: "It became clear to the project team that they needed to find a way to keep the roads open.
"The original plan required excavations to dig trenches across the road to lay the new underground cables.
"Working with Principal Contractor, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure, the SSEN Transmission team reviewed the design for the road crossings around the B970 between Loch Garten and Duack Beck junction, and those in Nethy Bridge and identified a new trenchless solution could be used to prevent the closures.
"Using a technique called moling, two pits will now be excavated on either side of the road and moling equipment will be used to bore a hole under the road surface for each cable to be pulled through and be laid.
"This solution means the work can now be carried out safely under traffic management and no full road closures being needed."
Louise Anderson, SSEN Transmission’s Community Liaison Manager said as a "responsible developer" they are always willing to listen to feedback.
She said: "We are pleased that we were able to work together with the community and our contractors to find as solution that allows us to carry out the work without closing any roads and keep the community moving.
“We will continue working closely with the local community through this project to keep them updated and ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long-term positive effects as possible.”
