Eight permanent steel structures have been erected on the 3.5km section of the 220kV transmission line, south of Broken Hill, damaged by the extreme weather event in October 2024.
Personnel, including Astar Rigging Constructions, have used a 60-tonne crane to carefully lift eight new steel pole structures into place.
The new section of line comprises six, 40 metre-tall transmission structures and two, three-pole tension structures which will connect to the existing line at either end.
Head of Transgrid’s Far West Operations Response Sam Pickering said: “We are very pleased with the solid progress our specialist crews are making in completing these complex works.”
“Transgrid has also engaged Fabtec, another Broken Hill business, who is supplying steel mesh for the earth grid and step bolts and brackets for the poles,” Pickering said.
“Other local businesses to benefit from the $9 million (USD 5.7 million) project include Mawsons Broken Hill, which has supplied concrete for the tower foundations and GTE Broken Hill, which is providing water carts for dust suppression, waste services and site amenities. GTE has recently expanded its involvement, now carrying out excavation works for the earth grid.
“Our crews have worked hard to continue the momentum, with fine weather conditions also assisting the operation. We remain on schedule to complete the transmission line reconstruction works by mid-year,” Pickering said.
Up to 30 personnel are expected to begin conductor stringing works later this month. The switchover to the new permanent poles is expected to take place over two consecutive nights in May. The final step of the project will involve dismantling the seven temporary structures installed last year.
Pickering added the personnel involved in the operation would again like to thank the local businesses and members of the community for supporting the project and our teams on the ground.
“Transgrid is continuing our focus on ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of the 260km transmission line from Buronga to Broken Hill while working with key stakeholders to develop longer-term solutions for the provision of safe, reliable and affordable energy to Far West NSW,” Pickering said.
“We would again like to thank the communities of Broken Hill and Far West NSW for their patience and understanding as we complete these essential works.”
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