TWO weeks after it was revealed that dozens of households would be affected by road closures between Govilon and Llanfoist, Nation Grid has said it has started work on the £50 million project to refurbish pylons from Herefordshire to Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The line of pylons was built in the 1960s and the wires, along with other equipment, are approaching the end of their working life and need replacing,” said a National Grid spokesman.

During the course of the scheme, which is due to take until November, engineers will inspect the condition of 240 pylons along the 75km route and replace equipment as necessary to hold the wires in place. National Grid won’t be installing any additional pylons.

Simon Chandler, National Grid Project Manager, said: “Our job is to ensure electricity keeps flowing to where it’s needed. We need to make sure the country’s energy infrastructure is ready and able to meet the demands of the future.

“We are refurbishing the overhead power line between Walham and Cilfynydd to help maintain the electricity supply and ensure that residents of South Wales have the power they need at the flick of a switch.

“Projects like this mean substantial investment in the region’s power network. By replacing old components with more efficient fittings, National Grid will continue to deliver electricity safely, efficiently and reliably for many years to come.”

Communities along the line will be kept informed about National Grid’s work.

Preparation began in January and the main work continues from now until its conclusion in November and National Grid says it will be working hard to minimise the disruption to local communities.

Mr Chandler continued, “Most of our work will take place between 7am and 7pm, with some work on weekends to get the job done as quickly as possible.

“We are a responsible business and are positive about investing in the communities where we work. Our Community Grant Programme invests money into community schemes and our education sessions at local primary schools teach potential engineers of the future the theory and physics of electricity.”

As part of the scheme the B4246 between Govilon and Llanfoist is set to close for up to two months, something which local councillor Giles Howard says has come to a complete shock for many residents.

The closure was highlighted recently Councillor Howard who said that while he appreciated that the work had to be undertaken - and realised that many residents of Llanfoist would be grateful for the reduction of traffic - he was concerned that the road closure would cause a great deal of inconvenience.

“ I'm not aware that when I and a handful of other members attended the consultation session last year, that the closure of this section was identified. I had the impression that it would be a handful of rural and lesser trafficked lanes.

“This begs the question of which residents were notified as many who will be affected have been taken by complete surprise. I would suggest that there ought to be a wide letter drop at least to the whole of Llanfoist, Govilon and Blaenavon,” said Councillor Howard.

Councillor Howard, who represents Llanfoist Fawr ward, pressed the National Grid for answers, adding that the closure would cause ‘much inconvenience’ to locals.

In an email to the company, he said, “I am surprised that the road will be closed for an extensive period of two months. I note that it will be open from time to time, but this is only helpful if people know about it.

“How will you let residents know at either end when the road is open so that they don't need to take the diversion route? Could you not guarantee that it could be open during the rush hour/school transport period? Similarly will there be sufficient advance warning of closure so that we don't end up with people getting to the closed section and having to turn around?”

Councillor Howard also drew attention to local concerns about maintaining pedestrian and cycle access and asked if the cycle track and the canal towpath would remain open. He also highlighted growing concerns about public transport and asked if a revised timetable had been produced.

A spokesman from the National Grid told Councillor Giles Howard via email that, “We’re unable to provide guarantees regarding keeping the road open at certain times. When we booked the road closure with the council we were asked for a date range. If we’re able to finish the works before end of the booked time then we will.

“The issue is that we have to leave equipment on site, even when we’re not working, and our concern is to make sure that a resident driving under the line wouldn’t be put at risk by our equipment. Emergency services will always have access.”

“There will be signs at both ends of the road to make commuters aware of the road closure. The road closure will only be in place just after the entrance to Alun Griffiths' yard.

“Commuters who drive onto the road section marked in red will still have plenty of time to turn around before they reach the actual road closure. We’ll need to close some sections of road for a short time so that we can safely access power lines. 

“We’ve planned the road closures with Monmouthshire County Council and signposted diversions will be put in place.”

The road closures will start on March 8 and continue until May 6. Electricity supplies will not be affected by this work.