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Project Scope

Partum Engineering was engaged to support a three-stage overhead powerline upgrade along Deep Creek Road, replacing ageing electrical infrastructure to improve network reliability, safety and performance.
 
The project involved replacing 71 spans of life-expired high-voltage (HV) overhead conductor with new 7/3.00 AAAC conductor, along with upgrading 72 HV crossarms and installing 32 new timber poles where existing structures did not meet tip-load requirements.
 
Additional works included replacing 13 spans of low-voltage (LV) overhead conductor, transferring an existing pole-mounted transformer to a new structure, and managing vegetation clearances around HV and LV powerlines.
 
Partum Engineering’s scope included:
 

  • Site Investigations and Surveying: Conducting detailed overhead line surveys, including photographic records, GPS data and distance measurements to assess existing infrastructure and site conditions.
  • Overhead Line Design: Modelling existing and proposed powerline infrastructure using Poles N Wires software to support safe installation and compliance with design requirements.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Designing conductor, crossarm and pole replacements to address ageing assets and structural loading requirements.
  • Safety and Environmental Assessments: Completing Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) searches, onsite service verification, environmental assessments and desktop project reviews.
  • Construction Preparation: Identifying and pegging new pole locations onsite to support construction activities.
  • Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitating notifications to local residents and council regarding proposed works and potential impacts.

The project supported the renewal of critical electricity distribution infrastructure, improving the safety, reliability and long-term performance of the overhead network along Deep Creek Road.

Challenges Overcome

Partum Engineering successfully addressed a range of technical, logistical and site-specific challenges to deliver the project on time and under budget.
 

  • Efficient Site Planning: Conducted pre-planned site visits and onsite discussions to streamline survey activities, improve coordination and minimise project delays.
  • Design Coordination: Leveraged a multidisciplinary team of specialists to efficiently coordinate design activities, ensuring timely delivery within budget.
  • Structural Compliance: Identified and replaced 32 timber poles that did not meet the required tip-load capacity for the upgraded HV conductors.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: Replaced 72 non-standard HV crossarms with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) crossarms and introduced new strain points where conductor uplift was identified.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Consulted with adjoining landowners to communicate proposed works, address potential concerns and advise of anticipated power supply disruptions.
  • Underground Service Verification: Completed Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) searches and onsite verification to identify existing underground services, maintain appropriate clearances and support safe construction.
  • Ground Condition Assessment: Determined suitable soil classifications to inform pole installation requirements and ensure the safe installation of new infrastructure.

Through proactive planning, technical expertise and effective stakeholder coordination, Partum Engineering delivered a practical, compliant and cost-effective design solution supporting the safe upgrade of the overhead distribution network.

Solution

Partum Engineering delivered a cost-effective overhead powerline upgrade that improved network resilience, increased capacity and reduced long-term maintenance requirements while aligning with TasNetworks’ annual maintenance budget.
 
Key solutions and outcomes included:
 

  • Cost-Effective Project Delivery: Completed the design within a $125,000 budget, with construction costs maintained at $610,000 to align with TasNetworks’ annual maintenance program.
  • Improved Network Resilience: Strengthened the high-voltage distribution network through upgraded infrastructure, improving reliability and increasing network capacity.
  • HV Conductor Replacement: Upgraded ageing overhead conductors with new 7/3.00 AAAC conductor to enhance network performance and long-term durability.
  • LV Infrastructure Upgrades: Replaced low-voltage conductor spans where required to improve the condition and reliability of the existing network.
  • Compliance with Current Standards: Incorporated new assemblies and components designed to meet current TasNetworks standards, supporting safe and consistent network operation.
  • Reduced Maintenance Requirements: Improved pole reliability and reduced the likelihood of unplanned outages, maintenance callouts and ongoing asset maintenance costs.

The completed upgrade provides TasNetworks with a safer, more reliable and resilient electricity distribution network, delivering long-term operational benefits while maintaining project cost efficiency.

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