Electricity transmission company National Grid is starting work on a major £9 million refurbishment of the high voltage overhead electricity line between Coventry and Enderby. The work, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year, is vital to ensure a reliable supply of electricity to the area.

The 16 mi route passes the villages of Bulkington, Huncote and Burbage and, at one point, crosses the M69. Built back in 1964, much of the line’s equipment has now come to the end of its operational life so engineers will shortly begin the task of renewing the fittings on the 72 pylons that make up the route. Electricity supplies in the area will not be affected during the work.

The project has taken many months to plan and has involved extensive consultation with land owners. Most of the work will take place on private land and will have little impact on the public. However, where work affects residents, they will be kept fully informed.

The work will be carried out by the Electricity Alliance, a partnership between National Grid, Babcock, Amec and Mott McDonald and will involve around 45 engineers.

Electricity Alliance West project manager Paul Devenish said: “This project is part of National Grid's national maintenance program and represents a substantial investment in the region's power network. People expect to have electricity whenever then want it just by flicking a switch and in order for us to meet that demand we have to keep the transmission network in first class working order. We will do everything we can to make sure we cause as little disruption as possible and thank local residents for their patience whilst this essential work is carried out.”

The Electricity Alliance is a partnership between National Grid and 15 construction companies. It was formed to deliver a major investment program to update and develop the high-voltage transmission network in order to maintain safe and reliable electricity supplies across England and Wales.