Ferrovial has been awarded the contract by National Grid for its £230m Grain to Tilbury electricity infrastructure upgrade project.

Work will start on site shortly and last four years to construct a new 2.2km long high voltage cable tunnel and two 35m deep shafts.

The job will be overseen by an integrated joint venture between Ferrovial Construction and BEMO.

The JV will be using a Vertical Shaft Sinking Machine (VSM) allowing for simultaneous excavation and installation of the final lining from the surface, significantly reducing construction time, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring the highest level of safety throughout operation.

The VSM can be used under groundwater, making it ideal for the Grain to Tilbury project. It will only be the second time that this method has been used in the UK.

The project is part of a broader suite of infrastructure improvements planned by National Grid as part of The Great Grid Upgrade forming the largest overhaul of the UK’s electricity network in generations.