Disruption as National Grid upgrades 400,000-volt cables

A number of roads in mid and West Norfolk will be temporarily closed while National Grid works on overhead power cables.

The B1135 Whinburgh Road, Whinburgh, will be closed from its junction with Norwich Road to the junction with Dereham Road from tomorrow (4) to Monday, October 10. Motorists are advised to follow a diversion route along B1135 Dereham Road, Hingham Road, North Green, Mile Road, Letton Road, A1075 Dereham Road. Temporary traffic lights and a contraflow will be in operatation on Whinburgh Road from Wednesday (5) and again from next Monday (10) to October 21.

Lynn Road in Wiggenhall St Germans, near King's Lynn will be closed from Thursday (6) to November 3, from Thiefgate Lane to Mill Road. A diversion route will be set up via Lynn Road, A47 (eastbound), A10 (southbound), Thieves Bridge Road, Station Road and Lynn Road.

High Road in Wiggenhall St Mary, near King's Lynn, will be closed from its junction with The Avenue to its junction with Wiggenhall Road from Thursday (6) to November 13. A diversion route will be in place.

Walpole Bank Road, near Walpole St Peter, will be closed from its junction with Folgate Lane to Wisbech Road for four weeks, from Monday, October 10, to November 13. A diversion route will be in place via Wisbech Road, Police Road, Walnut Road, Mill Road, Lynn Road, School Road and Mill Road.

The River Great Ouse will be closed near Wiggenhall St Germans from 7.30am to 6pm, on Thursday (6) and Friday (7) October, again from October 10 to 21 and October 24 to November 3. The Relief Channel will also be closed from Thursday (6) to November 3.

The National Grid is carrying out work on an eight-month project to rewire the 52-mile (84km) high-voltage line, running between Norwich and Walpole, near Wisbech.

Engineers are renewing the conductors (wires) and fittings and carrying out strengthening work on some of the 224 pylons that carry the wires.

Project manager Simon Chandler said: 'This work will help to ensure that our electricity supply continues to serve us safely, reliably and efficiently for decades to come, securing our energy supply for future generations.

'We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but the road and lane closures are essential for the safety of the public and our workforce. We will make every effort to complete the work as safely, quickly and efficiently as possible.'

The 400,000 volt power line was built in the early 1960s and now needs refurbishing.

If members of the public have any queries about this project they can contact National Grid community relations on 0800 804 7682 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or email: norwichwalpolerefurbishment@grayling.com.