Project kicks off

After a preparatory phase in 2022 and 2023, during which the access roads to the pylons were created, the project is now entering the actual work phase.

According to the current projected schedule, this major work phase will run from March 2024 to November 2024. The remainder of the work (finishing work, installation of marker lights on certain pylons, painting, removal of access roads and restoration of the site) will be carried out in 2025.

The connection will be de-energised during the work phase. Power supply to the area will be maintained via other links in our grid. Preventive pruning and maintenance work have been anticipated in order to limit the risks on these alternative links. In the event of an incident and/or power cut during the work, we will take the necessary steps to restore the situation as quickly as possible.

Specifically, the following work will be carried out:

• The existing conductors and equipment will be dismantled, then they will be removed and the old pylons will be removed.
• The old foundations will be removed.
• The foundations for the new supports will be created.
•  The new supports will be installed.
• The conductors and overhead ground wire with incorporated optical fibres will be pulled into place. The optical fibre junctions will be created and tested.
• The access roads will be removed and the supports painted.
• The site will be restored to its original state.

In order to reduce the duration of the work itself, the schedule for carrying out the work has been condensed so that certain stages will be carried out simultaneously on several sections of the link. In order to ensure the safety of local residents and our personnel during the work, special road signs – including safety lights and speed reduction signs – will be installed at the entrances/exits of certain areas of the project site.

Naturally, we remain at your disposal throughout the project via our freephone number 0800 18 002 or by email: riverains@elia.be.