Work has started on a temporary transmitter to replace the mast damaged by fire at Bilsdale.
Site owner Arqiva said a team of around 100 people began construction work at Bilsdale on Monday.
Materials have been transported into place and ground preparation has begun for the mast’s installation.
The company said the team was working to clear the site and put foundations in place for the ground-based transmission equipment.
Engineers say that once operational, the 80m temporary mast is expected to provide Freeview TV signals to an area covering over 90 per cent of households which were served by the existing Bilsdale mast, which was damaged by fire on August 10.
The clearance includes excavating heather after which the area will be re-seeded.
Stone used on site has also had to be specially selected to ensure the right levels of acidity for the surrounding environment.
Adrian Twyning, chief of operations at Arqiva, said the priority was now on working with organisations across the affected area including local councils, housing associations and charities to reach and support those who may remain without signal following the mast build, and to prioritise the most vulnerable people affected.
He said: “We are working 24/7 to restore services to as many people as possible across the North-East and North Yorkshire.
“This is complex work, involving multiple agencies and highly skilled teams.
“We are fully committed to the task at hand.”
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