Darlinghurst Zone Substation 33kV Cable Replacement Project
In progress.
Ausgrid is upgrading critical electricity infrastructure between Surry Hills and Darlinghurst.
Project overview
Ausgrid is upgrading critical electricity infrastructure between Surry Hills and Darlinghurst to improve network reliability, reduce environmental risks and support Sydney’s future electricity needs. The existing underground cables are ageing and becoming less reliable.
We are replacing them with modern 33kV cables and progressively decommissioning the old infrastructure by 2028, reducing the risk of outages.
The project includes trenching in Yurong, Liverpool and Bourke Streets, excavating a 25-metre-deep access shaft in Yurong Street, and installing approximately one kilometre of new underground cable between the Surry Hills and Darlinghurst zone substations.
JDG will carry out the construction work on behalf of Ausgrid.
Community consultation
The project team will keep residents, businesses and stakeholders informed through advance notifications and project updates.
To receive project updates, email majorprojects@ausgrid.com.au with your name, address and email address. If you have questions, accessibility requirements or information that may help us plan work near your property, please contact the project team on 1800 604 765.
Timeline
2025
Site investigations confirmed existing underground services and the final cable route.
September 2026 - Construction expected to begin
Trenching along Yurong, Liverpool and Bourke Streets to install conduits, including a temporary road closure in Yurong Street for excavation of the 25-metre-deep shaft. Timing and duration of the closure will be confirmed.
October 2026
Work at Darlinghurst Zone Substation.
February 2027
Work at Surry Hills Substation.March 2027
Cable installation, jointing and testing.By 2028
Progressive decommissioning of the old infrastructure.What to expect during construction
Crews will progressively excavate a trench about one metre wide in the roadway and install conduits along Yurong, Liverpool and Bourke Streets.
About 12 metres of road is expected to be excavated at any one time. Community members may notice temporary lane closures, traffic control, pedestrian diversions and parking restrictions.
Two-way traffic will be maintained where possible, and signs will be installed in advance if parking spaces need to be reserved.
Work is anticipated between 7am and 5pm Monday to Friday, with crews arriving from 6am to establish traffic control, and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays, with crews arriving from 7am.
Some weekend or night work may be required, and advance notification will be provided.
Measures to reduce community and environmental impacts will be implemented in accordance with the project’s Construction Environmental Management Plan.
The benefits
The project will improve electricity network reliability, reduce environmental risks, support Sydney’s future electricity needs and reduce the risk of outages by replacing ageing cables with modern 33kV infrastructure.
Next steps
Construction is expected to begin in late September 2026. As work approaches each area, JDG will provide advance notification outlining planned activities, timing and potential impacts. The project team will continue to provide updates throughout construction.