Mechelen

Reconstruction of Leest high-voltage line

Storm damage to high-voltage line

Extreme weather on 9 July 2024 toppled nine high-voltage pylons over a distance of four kilometres, mainly in the Leest area. It also brought down the high-voltage cables, most of which ended up in fields, but some of which fell onto around 15 homes. No one was injured, but the material damage and impact on local residents was extensive.

Backup line as a temporary solution

Before the storm, Mechelen and the surrounding area were supplied with electricity by two 70-kV high-voltage lines and two 150-kV high-voltage lines. The extreme weather brought down the 150-kV lines, leaving only the 70-kV lines to supply the region. This made the grid in Mechelen and the surrounding area vulnerable, as a fault on the 70-kV line would jeopardise the entire power supply.

The technical experts came up with a solution in the form of a backup power line to be built at short notice. Our teams are specifically trained for this. An emergency procedure was launched in consultation with the municipal authorities and the owners (and users) of the land in order to construct the backup pylons.

The backup line is a temporary solution to replace the damaged 150-kV high-voltage line and so safeguard the power supply to Mechelen and the surrounding area. In the long term, a permanent connection will need to be built.

Permanent reconstruction of high-voltage line

Following technical studies within Elia, rebuilding the original line emerged as the best long-term solution. Rebuilding the 150-kV high-voltage line means reconstructing the nine affected pylons in the same locations as before. On this page you will find all you need to know about the work and the schedule.

The route

Elia is rebuilding the 150-kV high-voltage line between Heffenveldweg and Kapelseweg. The voltage level will remain the same as before. The nine affected pylons will be erected at the same locations. The new pylons are more robust and can withstand higher wind loads.
Schedule
The anticipated schedule can be divided into two phases and is subject to change.

Phase 1: Reconstruction of overhead high-voltage line (150 kV)

May 2025: Submission of environmental permit

Early 2026: Start of work

Foundation work: January–October 2026

Pylon assembly and line work: February 2026 – April 2027

Summer 2027: End of work

Phase 2: Dismantling of backup line

Early 2027 (February): Start of work

Summer 2027: End of work
Interactive map

You can find an interactive map showing the reconstruction of the permanent high-voltage line here:
Environment
Elia makes clear arrangements to minimise the impact of its work on local residents and the surrounding area. These arrangements will be checked regularly by a site supervisor.

Elia will work in phases to limit the duration and scale of the impact on the surrounding area.

Site vehicles will use the shortest, safest and most accessible routes.

Possible diversions will be discussed with the relevant authorities and announced to local residents in advance.

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to pass the worksites safely at all times.

Once work is complete, the worksites will be restored to their original state.
Documents

Information sheet – Overhead and underground construction of electricity connections (in Dutch)

Information sheet – Damage (in Dutch)

Press release: Elia making every effort to restore high-voltage grid in Mechelen region following storm

Press release: Update on storm damage in Mechelen: Power supply restored following the commissioning of a temporary backup line
Info session banners (16/06/2025)

News

Mechelen

21 October 2024

Backup line successfully commissioned

The backup power line in Heffen has been commissioned. Extreme weather on 9 July 2024 toppled nine high-voltage pylons over a distance of four kilometres, leaving only one high-voltage line supplying power to Mechelen. Elia lost no time in building a backup line, and the five backup pylons have now been erected and connected to the existing high-voltage grid.

See all news

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Glossary

The glossary provides clear, succinct explanations of the main technical and administrative terms used to discuss infrastructure projects.

Consult the glossary

Work (overhead line)

Get full details of how the work is being organised and find out about the measures Elia is taking to limit the impact on mobility, preserve the environment and minimise disruption for local residents.

Visit the Work page