Project outline In February 2011, National Grid embarked upon a seven-year £1bn project to reinforce the high voltage network across London by installing new cables and wires via deep underground tunnels. The new 32km electricity superhighway deep below the capital will help keep Londoners connected to safe and reliable electricity supplies. The London Power Tunnel (LPT) network runs from Hackney to St Johns Wood, Willesden to St Johns Wood and from Wimbledon to Kensal Green. Murphy installed three 132kV cables and related steelwork between Highbury and Islington, and then Islington and St. Pancras substations. These circuits will connect two substations that Murphy initially constructed for UKPN as part of the EAN Framework. The works required installation of the longest ever single-length power cables in an underground utility tunnel in the UK, at 2km long. Completion of the 132kV cables works was a critical key programme date for the LPT scheme and any delay would have had a significant effect on the overall National Grid programme. A seven day working week and well-presented programme enabled this challenge to be met. KEY FACTS Longest single-length cable pull in an underground utility tunnel in the UK (at the time of construction) One circuit of cable installed a week No accidents or RIDDOR incidents Extensive range of plant was used to complete the work, much of which was designed, manufactured and tested in-house.
