Scope: 132kV Feeder Installation and Civil Works
Scope of Work:
Road & Rail Excavations was engaged to carry out a 132kV feeder project on the Endeavour Energy Network, spanning 11 kilometres. The project involves several key components, including:
- Project Management: Coordinating all stages of the project while ensuring the fixed completion date is met.
- Procurement: Sourcing necessary materials and resources at the required timeframes.
- Traffic Management & Control: Managing Road closures and ensuring safety of site workers and commuters.
- Civil Installation Works: Excavation and installation of electrical infrastructure.
- Cable Installation: Installing two new 1600mm² cable feeders.
These feeders are routed along a diverse path, originating from different bulk supply points in Western Sydney. The work involves mechanical excavation of trenches with depths ranging from 1.2m to 3.2m. This allows for conduit installation and backfilling with specific thermal materials that supports efficient heat dissipation for the cables.
Project Quantities:
- Trenching: 11 kilometres of trenching, conduit installation & backfill
- Electrical Cable: 33 kilometres of 1600mm2 132kV cables
- Fibre Optic Cable: 11 kilometres
- 132kV Joint Bays: 11 off
- Electrical Conduits: 55 kilometres
- Spoil Removal: Over 30,000 tonnes
- Imported Material: Over 28,000 tonnes
Key Challenges:
- 24-Hour Operations: Restrictions on day shifts led to round-the-clock work.
- Site Access & Constraints: Site limitations made logistics and movement difficult.
- Material Quantities: Managing the transportation and delivery of large amounts of material on a daily basis.
- Design Adjustments: Design changes due to unforeseen site constraints impacting the program and site works.
- Shutdowns: Managing of critical 56-hour shutdowns to minimize community disruption.
- Existing Utilities: Crossing of significant assets necessitating careful coordination and planning.
- Site Workforce: A team of 30-40 workers was on-site daily to handle the various tasks.
Results:
- Over 70% of the civil works and cable installations have been completed ahead of schedule.
- The project has been delivered without any major incidents or lost time injuries.
- The project has been deemed a major success due to the collaborative efforts of the teams involved, with strong project planning and skilled personnel ensuring progress even amid the challenges.
