National Grid, UK, engineers are continuing work to dismantle an electricity pylon that stood in the estuary of the River Dwyryd at Penrhyndeudraeth, near Porthmadog. The 50-m-high pylon had started listing after its supporting steelwork was damaged.
With the damaged pylon now taken down, engineers have started building a temporary replacement so the power lines can be reconnected. The line, which runs from Pentir to Trawsynydd, forms an important part of the high voltage electricity network in Wales and needs to be put back into service ready for the winter.
In the coming weeks National Grid plans to close Pont Briwet to maintain safety as they connect the new temporary pylon to the existing line. The bridge will not be closed for any longer than absolutely necessary.
There has been no affect to local electricity supplies and National Grid is working closely with the local network operator to make sure service continues as normal. National Grid hopes to reconnect the line by the end of November.
National Grid is continuing to work closely with a number of organizations, including the local council and Snowdonia National Park, to ensure any impact on local people and the sensitive environment of the estuary is kept to a minimum.
Chris Isaac, Regional External Affairs Manager, National Grid comments: "We're working really hard to remove the damaged pylon and replace it with a temporary new pylon. Nobody's power supply has been affected and it's our priority to safely restore the line before winter while causing the minimum of disruption to people and the environment in and around the estuary. We want to thank people living locally for their patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work"
