National Grid is reaching a major milestone on the Eryri Visual Impact Provision (VIP) scheme with the arrival of its tunnel boring machine (TBM) to the project site.

A total of 27 deliveries through north wales will deliver theTBM in sections to the site compound in Minffordd from Monday 18 November for a period of up to three weeks.

The TBM will be used to excavate the tunnel that will contain the new electricity cables that will replace the existing 3km of overhead line across the Dwyryd estuary.

National grid is marking a major milestone on its Eryri visual impact provision (VIP) scheme with the arrival of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) which will be used to excavate the tunnel that will contain the new electricity cables that will replace the existing 3km of overhead line that cross the estuary.

the visual impact provision project in eryri national park aims to reduce the visual impact of the overhead electricity line across the dwyryd estuary from minffordd to llandecwyn. national grid has worked closely with stakeholders and the local community to implement the project, which includes constructing two new tunnel head houses, which will provide access to the tunnel, along with a sealing end compound to connect the underground cables with the remaining overhead line.

After being delivered to the site compound, the TBM will be unloaded and prepared to commence tunnelling in early 2025. Once assembled, the TBM will measure 166 metres long and weigh 436 tonnes. It is expected to complete tunnelling and reach its destination in Llandecwyn in mid-2026, with the pylons and overhead line due for removal in 2029.

National Grid and its contractor Hochtief uk have been working closely with the north and mid wales trunk road agent (NMWTRA), Welsh Government, North Wales police, relevant local authorities and a specialist haulage contractor, Facht Group UK, to carefully plan the route and timings to minimise disruption to local people and traffic wherever possible.

Steve Ellison, National Grid's senior project manager for Eryri VIP, said:

These deliveries have been many months in the planning, and we work hard to minimise any disruption that deliveries of this kind can cause. The movements are occurring at these times to try and minimise disruption to the local road network and we appreciate the cooperation and understanding of the local community.

The TBM is being transported from Germany, where it has been manufactured, via sea transport to Immingham docks in North East Lincolnshire. it will then be transported to Chester services along the M56 before entering North Wales.

Information picked from National Grid press release on 15 November.