The arrival of a new transformer supergrid, Biggleswade. 11.2.24 More info in the video description.

The following information was shared with the community in advance:
The power from the supergrid is needed for the adjacent 1500 home land East of Biggleswade for housing and business.

Some of the kit, in particular the transformers, required for the supergrid is HUGE, and it requires detailed plans for getting it to the site.

On 11th and 18th February, two deliveries will be transported from Tilbury Docks to Dunton Lane.

The supergrid will receive a police escort and will be moving slowly. This will cause significant local traffic disruption that is likely to last for quite some time. It will also be quite a spectacle for anyone, young or old, that is a fan of big lorries.

The convoy will travel via Royston, through Eyeworth and Dunton.

Councillors have cited the potential difficulties they may face getting through 'the bends' in between Wrestlingworth and Dunton but the contractor says they are certain it will squeeze round!

Some road marker signs in the villages will be removed at the time, to ensure the wide load can go through, and then replaced immediately afterwards.

Here are the FAQs from the organisers:
How heavy is the transformer?
The transformer weighs around 157 tonnes.

How long will the journey take?
For both deliveries the transformer will leave Tilbury docks at 7.30am on Sunday morning and it is expected to arrive in the Dunton area from 3.30pm onwards.
The vehicle will travel at approximately 10-15 miles per hour and will have a police escort for the full journey.

The email and phone number for our CR team is 0800 073 1047 and [email protected].

What’s the job of a transformer?
The transformer reduces the voltage to feed into the network of wires and cables which distributes electricity to homes and businesses in the area.

Why are new transformers required?
The new transformers will form part of the new Biggleswade substation and will help to meet local electrical demand.

How often do transformers need to be replaced?
Approximately every 60 years.

Where has the transformer come from?
The SGT has travelled by ship from South Korea and docked at Tilbury Port. It will travel the rest of its journey on land from Tilbury port via the M11 with the equipment leaving at junction 10. It will then head west towards Royston on its way to Dunton.

Why does the equipment need to be transported
from so far away?
All the equipment we buy, and install, is paid for through people’s energy bills, so we must get the best quality at the best price for the consumer.
Is the route navigable and safe?

We use specialist haulage companies who are expert in moving loads of this size. The route and timing of the delivery is carefully planned in consultation with our contractor Collett and the local authority to make sure there is as little disruption as possible.

We also survey road widths, road profiles, parking and check that the load will pass over bumps or beneath any wires above the road. All those things are looked at carefully well before the delivery date to make sure the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.

Why didn’t you conduct the delivery at night when the roads are less busy?
We work closely with the police and Highways England when planning our route. We take their guidance around when is the best and least disruptive time to make the journey.