TransGrid, New South Wales, Australia, has commenced construction on a new 132-kV high capacity transmission line to secure the power supply for the Central Western Slopes and Plains.

Ian Davidson, Central Region Manager at TransGrid, said the Manildra to Parkes Project is necessary to ensure the reliability of the electricity network, supplying the Manildra, Parkes, Cowra and Forbes areas. “The project requires the installation of 360 concrete poles over 81 km between the Manildra and Parkes Substations,” said Davidson.

Preliminary site works start late January on the first 17 km of line, which is expected to take approximately one month. “We will start preliminary works, which include the construction of access tracks in the first section of ine,” said Davidson. “Following preliminary site works, construction will commence at Manildra and progress west,” he said. “Foundations, pole installation, and stringing of electrical wires will take place over the next 12 months, with project completion scheduled for late 2011.”