We are asking residents in Northwich for their support as we get to work on upgrading the local electricity network and increasing its capacity to support a cleaner and greener future.
The forthcoming works – part of a £1.8 million investment project in the electricity network in Northwich – will see an existing underground cable connection replaced in the Darwin Street area of the town.
The project will help ensure the continued provision of a modern, reliable and resilient electricity supply for homes and businesses in Northwich as people make greener choices and demand for electricity increases
The works to replace the cable will take place on Darwin Street, Hooker Street, Flower Street, Huxley Street and Romanes Street and get underway in early April. They are set to be completed by the end of August.
To ensure there is no risk of loss of electricity supply to homes and businesses when the new cable comes into operation, engineers will need access to around 200 properties along the affected routes in order to switch their local supply connection to the new cable.
Chris Carter, SP Energy Networks’ Head of Delivery for its Mid-Cheshire district, said: “This important investment will ensure our network continues to deliver for our customers – both now and in the future – as electricity demand continues to grow. Key to its success will be support from our customers along the route, especially where we need to carry out physical works in your property to connect you to the new cable.
“Please look out for our letter dropping through your door and make sure you respond and book your slot as otherwise you may find yourself without power when we make the switch to the new cable. Customers who may need a continuous supply of electricity for medical reasons should get in touch with us – using the contact details on the letter – to discuss their individual needs.”
Contractor OCU has been appointed to deliver the essential network upgrade, and the programme of works – including temporary traffic management arrangements – has been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.
To ensure the works can be delivered safely, temporary single-lane closures and traffic lights will be required along the route to manage traffic flows. These will be removed as soon as each section of work is safely completed. There may also be some on-street parking restrictions as the team works on the road.
The expected single-lane closures will be:
- Hooker Street and Darwin Street: from 7 April – for around 2 weeks
- Flower Street: from 6 May – for around 8 weeks
- Huxley Street: from 15 May – for around 10 weeks
- Romanes Street: from 19 May – for around 13 weeks
These dates may change – affected properties will be informed locally if that happens.
Chris added: “We’re committed to keeping any impact or disruption – whether that’s the temporary traffic management or the access we need to your property for a few hours – to a minimum while we carry out this vital work, and we’ll be keeping local people informed directly as our work progresses. This project will ensure our network is fit for the future and supports a cleaner and greener future for the people of Northwich. Our thanks in advance to our customers for their co-operation and understanding and we look forward to getting to work.”
SP Energy Networks is keeping local people informed of any works that might affect them. People can see what’s happening in their area – as well as view other utility works in real time – at: https://one.network/
The Northwich project is part of our £3 billion investment in our distribution network across Scotland, England and Wales between 2023-2028.