Replacement of outdated underground high-voltage cables

This work will secure the energy supply, now and in the future.

On 5 May 2025, work started on the replacement of the outdated 36 kV high-voltage cables between the Flora high-voltage substation in the Eikenmolenwijk in Merelbeke-Melle and the Saman high-voltage substation on the Dendermondsesteenweg in Sint-Amandsberg.

Work has started on the Peter Benoitlaan and the Schooldreef (continuing there until mid-July 2025) and will move in phases towards both high-voltage substations (for a more detailed site schedule, see the table or the interactive map).

All the underground cables between Flora and Saman must have been replaced before the summer of 2026.

Keeping the impact to a minimum

An underground connection is usually created via an open trench: we will start by digging a trench between 600 m and 1,000 m long. Along this distance (section), the trench will be left open until the cable is laid in it.

Working in sections will enable us to keep the disruption and impact of the work to a minimum. Once the work has been completed, the road will be restored to its original condition.

The route of the underground cable will present us with some challenges, including the need to cross the Schelde, the E17 and the railway line. We will use directional drilling to minimise the impact on mobility and the community in these areas and at busy junctions.