In an Australian-first, TransGrid started work at the site of the future Western Sydney Airport in January 2018 to move a section of the 330Kv transmission line underground to accommodate the airport.
TransGrid’s Line 39 transects the airport site, and 3.2km of high-voltage line will be moved to an underground cable route wholly located within the airport site.
The line is a key part of the transmission network in NSW, connecting Canberra and the Sydney metropolitan area.
Relocation is critical for substantial works to begin, including moving 22 million cubic metres of earth.
This work is a critical and necessary step in preparing the 1780 hectare site for construction and is the culmination of three years of planning, which includes the completion of feasibility and scoping studies, and an Environmental Assessment to comply with the requirements of the Airport Plan.
The existing on-site transmission towers will also be removed from the site once the new cable is operational.
TransGrid Chief Executive Officer, Paul Italiano, said, “This innovative solution supports the benefits of the airport while minimising the impacts on the surrounding community.”
Western Sydney Airport Co-Chair, Paul O’Sullivan, said, “Relocating this transmission line is critical before we can commence a substantial program of works, including moving 22 million cubic metres of earth, building 1,000,000m2 of airside pavements, and constructing a terminal and other facilities.”
Trenching work is underway to house the cable route, with the project expected to be completed in mid-2019.
