380kV Thames Crossing

The 400kV Thames Crossing is an overhead powerline crossing of the River Thames, near West Thurrock in the United Kingdom. Its towers are the tallest electricity pylons in the UK.

The present crossing was built in 1965, and comprises two 190-metre tall lattice towers either side of the Thames. Some suggest that the choice of this height was deliberate, being just taller than the BT Tower in London. [Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society: News February 2003] The span width is 1372 metres, the minimum height of the conductors over the river is 76 metres. Each tower is equipped with three crossbars and is capable of carrying two circuits for 400 kV three-phase AC.

132kV Thames Crossing

The 400kV crossing replaced the earlier nearby 132kV powerline crossing, its towers were 148.4 metres tall. The earlier crossing, linking Dagenham and Crossness, was built between 1927 and 1932. This powerline was dismantled in 1987.

2006 Death

In March 2006, Paul Smith-Crallan attempted to base jump from a platform on the Swanscombe pylon. The parachute he was using is believed to have failed to open, causing Mr Smith-Crallan to plunge 670 feet to his death. The Pylon is a popular base jumping location because of two platforms placed at 300 feet and 670 feet which provide good launch points.

References

* [http://www.glias.org.uk/news/203news.html#L Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society: News December 2002]
* [http://www.glias.org.uk/news/204news.html#B Greater London Industrial Archaeology Society: News February 2003]
* [http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?b61328 Diagram of the towers on Skyscraperpage.com]
* [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/basejumper-killed-in-leap-from-600ft-electricity-pylon-469961.html]

ee also

* List of spans
* Powerline river crossings in the United Kingdom
* Crossings of the River Thames