Transpower consults on underground cable

Transpower consults on underground cable - 25 Aug 2005

Transpower has begun public consultation on the underground section of the proposed new transmission line between Otahuhu and Whakamaru.

In October last year Transpower announced plans to build a new 400,000-volt (400 kV) transmission line from Otahuhu to Whakamaru north of Lake Taupo – a distance of about 200 kilometres. Subject to Electricity Commission and Resource Management Act approvals, the aim is to have the new transmission line in use by winter 2010.

The first nine kilometres (approximately) of the proposed line runs southeast from the Otahuhu substation site through Otara and Flat Bush to Ormiston Road. As it is not feasible to put another overhead line through this built-up area, the new one will be placed underground - under roads where possible.

The underground route

The preferred cable route exits the site of the existing Otahuhu substation at Kaitawa Street. It then heads north along Gilbert Road into Alexander Crescent and onto Franklyne Road. From there the route crosses the Otara Creek near the existing footbridge and runs into Johnstones Road. It then crosses through the junction of Johnstones, East Tamaki and Springs Roads and heads along East Tamaki Road (for approximately 400 metres) to a point opposite St Johns Church.

From here there are two options the route could take.

Option A continues along East Tamaki Road and turns south into Accent Drive.

Option B runs south across Manukau City Council stormwater reserve land, across Te Irirangi Drive, through further Council stormwater reserve land and then joins Accent Drive 100 metres west of Chapel Road.

The preferred route then continues along Accent Drive, across Chapel Road and into Stancombe Road, then into Jeffs Road. The route then crosses private land into Ormiston Road. From there it continues through private land to connect with the overhead section of the proposed transmission line.

Transpower needs to evaluate all aspects of the preferred underground cable route (including the two sub-options described above) before making a final decision.

Consultation

Information packs are being sent to those people living or owning property next to the preferred underground cable route. Transpower has already begun discussions with the Manukau City Council whose roads would be used and with a small number of private property owners who may be directly affected.

Drop-in sessions have been arranged at local libraries and additional information is available by calling free on 0800 33 88 66 or visiting the project website at www.gridupgrade.co.nz

Transpower expects to finalise the route for the proposed underground cable section by late-October 2005. The underground route will then, along with the rest of the project, be subject to Electricity Commission and Resource Management Act approvals.

If all the necessary approvals are obtained, the cable will be installed – in 600-800 metre sections – over about an 18 month period, some time before 2010. There will be two circuits containing three cables each (i.e. six cables in total). The two circuits will be laid in separate trenches. The estimated cost to install the cable for the nine kilometre distance is $90 million.

Transpower wants to talk to residents and use their local knowledge to help keep community disruption to a minimum during the construction period.

For more information on the underground cable route call 0800 33 88 66 or check out the project website at http://www.gridupgrade.co.nz/?id=5667.

ENDS

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