£9 million upgrade project underway underneath the M27

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is investing GBP9.6 million in the electricity distribution network at Rownhams, Hampshire, with works crossing underneath the M27. Despite the scale of the upgrade, the project has not disrupted traffic thanks to the use of horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which allows cables to be installed several metres below the motorway. A major infrastructure project is taking place underneath the M27. (Image: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks)

Tim Eccleston, project manager at SSEN, said: "This multi-million-pound investment is about future-proofing the electricity network for local homes and businesses, while enabling the nearby Rownhams services to install more electric vehicle charging hubs. "The location, at one the south's busiest motorways, is critical in that it allows motorists to recharge their EVs at a key journey point. "But this location also created the challenge for us to think about how we could carry out this upgrade without adding to roadworks and disruption on the motorway."

The drill used for the project is 260 metres long and reaches a depth of 45 metres at its deepest point, well below the minimum 15.8 metres specified by National Highways. The decision to use the HDD approach followed a redesign of the scheme to minimise environmental impact and avoid roadworks. Mr Eccleston said: "Our commitment was to ensure this project could be designed in a way that works for customers, road users and the environment [2], and by changing the cable route to run beneath the M27, we've been able to deliver on that commitment."

The ongoing work is expected to reinforce electricity supplies for nearby residents and businesses. It will also support the installation of new EV charging infrastructure at Rownhams services. SSEN worked on the project alongside contract partner Freedom, developing what it described as a "smarter, more considerate" solution for delivering critical infrastructure with minimal impact.

The company said the project demonstrates how essential upgrades can be delivered while maintaining traffic flow and protecting the environment.

Once completed, the upgraded network is expected to improve resilience in the area and help support the wider transition to electric vehicles.

References

^ Project to change main road in Southampton city centre axed (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
^ environment (www.dailyecho.co.uk)
^ Council plans to reduce speed limit to 20mph on several roads (www.dailyecho.co.uk)