FAQs

The route chosen is the most direct and therefore the most economical route. As a Statutory Undertaker, SSEN has the right to install/maintain their plant and equipment within the Public Highway under the Highways Act of 1980. There are no rights to install/maintain plant and equipment within private property without the consent of the landowners.

In areas where space for cables is limited, especially in urban areas, underground laying of cables is an efficient way of maintaining the energy needs of a community. Electricity is transmitted from one point to another, using cables laid in an underground system, instead of the cables hanging from poles and towers. Underground cables are not visible to the naked eye.

We will be using two methods to lay new cables in the ground as part of this project. The first method is called trenching and involves a trench digging in the public highway and laying new pipework (ducts) that will accommodate the upgraded cables. The trenches will be dug in stages by our contractor, with the traffic management measures in place moving sequentially with our working area.

The second method is called Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) will be used to install the underground cables at specific points along the cable route where trenching would not be appropriate. HDD is a minimal-impact trenchless method of installing underground utilities such as pipe, conduit or cables along a prescribed underground path, using a surface-launched drilling rig. It offers significant environmental advantages over traditional cut-and-cover pipeline/utility installations.

The technique is routinely used when conventional trenching or excavating is not practical or when minimal surface disturbance is required.

Once the ducting is in place, we return to open trenches at intervals along the route to pull cable through the ducts and connect them in what is called a joint bay. Once completed, we thoroughly test everything and then is it ready to be energised.

We will be working Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm, Saturdays 8:00am-2:00pm and Sundays 9:00am-2:00pm.

Where our works affect bus stops, these stops will be closed, and we will request that a temporary stop be located within a short walk of the original location. Where entire roads are closed, buses will divert to an alternative route and information on these changes will be posted in-person and online by the bus operators.

We have applied for various road closures and traffic management measured to be installed, and these have ensured access for residents as work has progressed. Our works are generally constrained to approximately 100-200m in length, allowing resident access on either side of our current working location. Where road closures are implemented, the road will be closed to through traffic. When working directly outside of a property, we will make every effort to maintain access, however there will be occasions when we will be unable to provide access for vehicles in and out of a property. We will endeavour to alert residents if this is likely, and request that would make alternative arrangements for parking if required. Pedestrian access will always be maintained.

Please contact us directly with details of your requirements and we will do all we can to assist you.

• For project queries, please email: LCD@sse.com
• For general queries or complaints, please contact: 0800 980 1395

When a road is blocked to through traffic, it means it is closed to people who use it as a route to another destination. The people who live or work on that road can still drive in and out. Residents, blue light services and the council’s waste collection service can all still use the road in both directions, via the diversion route, up to the section of the road where the team is working.