Western Power started work in May 2007 to install a 132,000 volt (132 kV) underground power cable between the Guildford terminal substation in Stirling Crescent, and the Midland Junction zone substation in Lloyd Street.
The installation of the 132 kV cable between the two substations is needed to meet current and forecast demand for electricity in the area, and will ensure reliability of electricity supplies.
The work to bury the cable starts at the Guildford terminal substation and continues north following the Whiteman Road reserve, passes beneath the Helena River, the railway reserve and Great Eastern Highway, along Lloyd Street (mainly in the road reserve), and into the Midland Junction substation.
The main part of the work is the excavation of a trench two metres deep for the laying of the cable. Once the cable is buried, the surface is restored to its original condition. If any part of the trench is left uncovered during construction, it will be barricaded to ensure the safety of the public.
In some areas, particularly at the intersection of Great Eastern Highway and Lloyd Street, at the railway line and the Helena River, the cable is installed by drilling horizontally below ground from one point to another.
This method minimises any impact on the road surface, the railway line and the riverbed.
Western Power has consulted major stakeholders such as Main Roads Western
Australia, the Swan River Trust, indigenous groups and the Public Transport Authority to ensure the work is carried out with due consideration to existing infrastructure and significant sites in the area.
Residents may experience some noise and vibration during the cable laying but there will be no interruptions to power supplies.
The work will take place every week until completition between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday. If work is carried out outside these hours, Western Power will provide reasonable notice to all affected residents.
There may be traffic delays in the area during the installation of the cable, particularly along Lloyd Street. Traffic and pedestrian access to buildings and businesses will not be affected and there will be no interruptions to train services.
Western Power is working closely with Main Roads Western Australia and the City of Swan to safely manage traffic flow in the area.
Page update on 12 November 2007
