Major power cable replacement underway

Last updated on 17 January 2026

A major project by UK Power Networks (UKPN) to replace ageing underground flat flexible electrical cables between Malden Rushett and Kingston is underway. The existing 132kV cables, which supply Kingston town centre, are outdated and at the end of their life. They’ll be replaced with six new cables – three to replace the original supply and three to meet growing demand. The project started in September 2025 and is scheduled to complete by January 2027.

The 10km route runs from Henry Macaulay Avenue substation in Kingston to Fairoak Lane substation in Malden Rushett, passing through roads including:

Henry Macaulay Avenue
Sury Basin
Kingsgate Road
Canbury Park Road
Queen Elizabeth Road
London Road, Kingston
Albert Road/Hawks Road
Villiers Road/Villiers Avenue
Lamberts Road
Ewell Road
Upper Brighton Road/Hook Road/Ditton Road/Southborough Road
Hook Road to A3 roundabout
A3 roundabout underpass
Hook Road
Bridge Road/Mansfield Road roundabout
Leatherhead Road A243
Crossroads at Malden Rushett
Fairoak Lane, Malden Rushett

The old cables will be decommissioned and left in place, as recovery isn’t cost-effective. Most homes use a single-phase supply, but businesses rely on three-phase – hence the need for three cables per phase (red, blue, yellow).

Contractor JSM Group will have four teams working across the route, aiming to minimise disruption by scheduling works during quieter periods. Concrete curing requirements mean roadworks may appear inactive for up to three days.

Programme of works

UKPN has a project webpage which is regularly updated. From 19th November works started on Fairoak Lane through the junction with Leatherhead Road, continuing northbound on Leatherhead Road. The works in this area will pause during Chessington Garden Centre and Chessington World of Adventures’ busy festive period from 5th December, restarting on 5th January 2026. The works will then continue northbound on the Leatherhead Road towards Hook Road. To work safely, the contractor will be implementing lane closures and temporary traffic lights around the area they are working in. This will enable traffic flow around the works. Short trenches to lay pipework (ducts) will be excavated. They will return at a later date to open excavations at intervals along the route to connect the cables to the electricity network.

The project web page also includes frequently asked questions. UKPN will use advance warning signs on roads and will write to residents and councillors with further details before work is due to start in each new area.

Additionally, you can monitor roadworks in your area on a live map online. Visit Causeway one.network website. Type in your address or zoom in to see what roadworks are happening nearby. Click a roadworks icon to see its type, status, and traffic impact.

Communication

CDRA and Malden Rushett Residents’ Association attended a meeting in August 2025 with UKPN and their contractors JSM Group, alongside representatives from Kingston and Surrey Councils’ highways teams, chair of Surrey County Council, Councillor Tim Hall, who is also councillor for Leatherhead and Fetcham East, James Kealey from Transport for London, and local business owners. The UKPN project team has committed to ongoing consultation and communication throughout the project.

We understand the works will cause some disruption, particularly along the A243 Leatherhead Road between Bridge Road roundabout and the Rushett Lane/Fairoak Lane crossroads. UKPN and JSM are doing their best to minimise impact and keep everyone informed. We recommend residents check the UKPN project webpage and Causeway one network website to check for updates and how the works may affect your journey.

It’s a vital project, and we can all help by understanding, staying flexible and making alternative arrangements where possible while work is underway in our area.