A £1 million power network upgrade will create crucial new capacity to enable the installation of Windermere’s first electric ferry.
Electricity North West started work installing 5.4km of new underground electricity cables late last year. The project will also allow for the potential installation of new electric charging points in several car parks within the town, crucial to supporting future business and tourism.
With the project continuing to progress, Electricity North West welcomed Westmorland and Lonsdale MP, Tim Farron, to site to update him on the progress being made.
John Wilkinson, who is overseeing the work for Electricity North West, said: “This is a major investment for the town and hundreds of thousands of people will benefit in the future both from the electric ferry and new electric car charging points. I’m also pleased that we’re managing to carry out the work with no interruption to existing power supplies.
“It was a pleasure to welcome Tim to site to show him the progress we’ve made despite some challenges we’ve faced such as the difficult ground-breaking conditions.”
This month, engineers will continue to install underground ducts, where the electricity cables will sit, throughout Bowness. Whilst work is taking place, traffic lights will be used to ensure the safety of engineers.
Once the ducts have been laid, teams will start to pull the cables through before connecting them to the electricity network.
“This is a fantastic project for the town and while it will cause some short-term disruption, the long-term benefits are clear. It was really interesting to learn more about the project in Windermere and what challenges the engineers face,” added Tim Farron MP.
“Once complete, the project will further enhance Windermere and Bowness as we’ll have the capabilities to install more electric car charging points which will benefit tens of thousands of visitors.
“I’m really pleased that Windermere and Bowness were identified for this crucial investment which will benefit residents and businesses as well as the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the area each year.”
Image courtesy of Electricity North West.
