TenneT to conduct archaeological field study near Delft in preparation for new high-voltage connection

05-03-2010 Electricity transmission operator TenneT is commissioning an archaeological field study to be conducted south of Delft, prior to the start of preparatory work on the Randstad 380 kV project, the new high-voltage connection across the Randstad conurbation. The study is required by law because it is believed that the area is likely to contain remains of archaeological interest. The study is expected to start on 11 March 2010, and will take two to three days to complete.

As part of the field study, researchers will initially dig a 2-metre-wide test trench on the east and west side of the shell path. The footpath will remain intact and the trench will be covered where it runs alongside the footpath when no work is being carried out. Archaeologists will use the objects found in this test trench to map any archaeological remains present in the area. TenneT has commissioned the archaeological department of Delft Regional Heritage to carry out the study.

Possible remains of archaeological interest
From soil traces and finds from studies carried out in the 1990s, it is known that the area contains the remains of a land allotment system dating back to Roman times. The investigators also expect the trench to uncover part of an indigenous Roman farmyard. If the results of the test trench study indicate the presence of a site worth preserving, the parties will draw up a follow-up plan in consultation with the Zuid-Holland provincial authorities for excavating and documenting the finds.

Redevelopment plan
In order to conduct the soil analysis for the installation of the cable route, TenneT will have to remove some young plants and shrubs in the Abtwoudse Bos recreational area. The felling is necessary in order to properly conduct the study. TenneT will draw up a detailed redevelopment plan in consultation with the regional parties involved. The plan will pay particular attention to landscaping and integration into the surroundings in and around the recreational area.

Randstad 380 kV
The cable section between Wateringen and Bleiswijk is part of the construction of an entirely new 380 kV high-voltage connection across the Randstad conurbation, the highly urbanised western part of the Netherlands. The new connection, which will run from Wateringen via Zoetermeer to Beverwijk, is needed because the demand for electricity transmission in the Randstad conurbation is expected to increase substantially over the next few years. The construction of new homes and businesses, developments in the ICT sector, modern production methods in the greenhouse horticulture industry and the growing use of household appliances are all contributing to an increase in electricity consumption. The new connection will be constructed underground over a distance of approx. 10 kilometres in the Delft region.

For more information about the Randstad 380 kV project, visit www.randstad380kv.nl (Dutch only).