A high voltage cable that runs under Dundee City is to be replaced by Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) in a £3 million investment to boost the electricity network.
The existing 51-year-old 132kV cable circuits which connects Dudhope and Glenagnes substations, will be replaced by two new cables – each over one mile long – through the innovative use of existing underground conduits to enable the works to be carried out without opening large sections of public highways or pavements.
SHE Transmission project manager, Andy Adams explains more: “Working in the heart of the city meant we had to look at options that would minimise disruption to everyone who lives and works there, while keeping the power on. The best way to do this was to use the existing infrastructure under the streets, pulling the new cables through just five open excavations and then jointing the cable together.
“This way we can replace the entire cable in six months and protect the public and our workforce with traffic management systems and footpath diversions that will be considerably less intrusive than excavation works to dig up the entire route of the cable."
Works will begin on 4 April 2016 and will conclude in the middle of September, with no planned interruptions to customers’ electricity supply. During this time, there will be five excavation areas at the following locations:
A923 Lochee Road - An excavation will be located mostly in the public footpath. A traffic management system will see the A923 road slimmed down in two locations to accommodate a diverted footpath and the road will remain open to traffic. The works are programmed to be undertaken between 25 April and 1 September 2016 and to take 20 weeks to complete.
A923 Lochee Road - The excavation is located in the road and will impact traffic turning left into Polepark Road from the City Centre. A traffic management system will see the sequencing of traffic lights staggered to accommodate single direction traffic. The works are programmed to be undertaken between 18 April and 8 September 2016 and to take 23 weeks to complete.
Fleuchar Street - A road closure will be required as the excavation will take up a large section of the narrow public road. The diversion around the excavation is 0.3 miles and would take approximately one minute by car with local access for residents, pedestrians, cyclists etc maintained whilst the excavation is open. The road closure and associated works will be in operation from 11 April to 12 September 2016 and will last for 26 weeks.
Scott Street - The road is wide enough that traffic will be able to pass the works with care. A Traffic Management System will be used to protect the public and workforce during the works. The works are programmed to be undertaken between 4 April and 14 September 2016 and will take 26 weeks to complete.
Logie Avenue - The final excavation will be mainly located on the grass area of the avenue with only minimal traffic management will be required. The works are programmed to be undertaken between 4 April and 16 September 2016 and will take 26 weeks to complete.