The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) for National Grid’s transmission tunnel through Snowdonia is due to arrive on site. The Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project will convert an existing 3km or overhead cable across the Dwyryd Estuary to a subterranean tunnel, minimising the intrusion on the landscape.
Snowdonia National Park in north Wales (also known as Eryri National Park) covers 823 square miles, and is Wales’ largest National Park and home to the country’s highest mountain ranges. It’s visited by over four million people every year and is an important area for native woodland and wildlife.
The TBM will be delivered to the site in sections, requiring a total of 27 deliveries to the site compound in Minffordd. The National Grid reports that the scheme is designed to minimise the visual impact of the overhead electricity lines from Minffordd to Llandecwyn, crossing the Dwyryd Estuary.
National Grid Eryri VIP senior project manager Steve Ellison 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.”
National Grid have carried out consultations with the local community and stakeholders during the planning phase of the project.
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