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
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.
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The routeElia 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.
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ScheduleThe 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
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Interactive mapYou can find an interactive map showing the reconstruction of the permanent high-voltage line here:
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EnvironmentElia 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.
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Documents
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.
Contact us
If you are affected by a project and want to ask us something, please feel free to contact us.
Our team would be happy to help.
