The large number of cables from Merewether STS, means that the available routes for the new cables are extremely limited. This is compounded by the presence of existing utility services such as town-water, storm water, sewer, telecommunications and gas lines beneath local streets.
To ensure the most cost-efficient delivery of the replacement programs, Ausgrid also seeks the shortest and most feasible route from Merewether STS to the cable connection point on the network. The cable sets to be replaced are direct buried. As some of these have been retired (supply to Adamstown, Charlestown, Dudley 33/11kV zone substations have been decommissioned), Ausgrid will re-use these corridors for installation of new ducts for the replacement cables.
The initial project will see the replacement of two cables that follow a route from Merewether STS to King Street Adamstown. The new cables will be installed within conduits in a common trench between Merewether STS and King Street, Adamstown. Spare conduits will also be installed for future replacement or to cater for increased electricity demand in the future, as required.
The common section of the route will be via Chatham Street, Fellowes Street, Lockyer Street and King Street. One cable set transitions to a new underground to overhead connection pole (UGOH) in King Street, near the entrance to the Merewether Golf Club. The second cable set will turn from King Street into Ella Street, Belmore Street and then to a UGOH in O’Connell Park, near the site of the old Adamstown zone substation.