Mernda Rail Extension Project Overhead Power line Survey Project
December 20, 2017

Balpara have been working directly for John Holland & KBR carrying out a complex overhead powerline survey. The project involved site survey and survey design, as well as construction plan drafting of the powerline route we were engaged to establish.

Project Scope

Our surveying scope was centred around a new 22kv powerline owned by Metro Trains running from Epping Train Stabling Yard to Epping Train Station, then along the rail corridor to South Morang Train Station.

The project required a detailed and complex survey including a multitude of steel stanchion frames inside the stabling yard. The site presented steep slopes and cliff-like areas were the rail corridor was dug-down below ground level, encroaching heritage listed trees, road bridges, creeks and many other challenging conditions.

We designed the locations of 43 poles along the 3.5 kilometre route.

Survey & Safety Considerations

The new powerline conductors were to be supported by a combination of new ground poles designed by Balpara and also ‘bolt-on’ steel masts added to the existing horizontal steel stanchion portal frames.

Surveyors needed to calculate the clearance of new powerline assets to required safety standards, to:

  • the steel stanchion portal frames
  • the metro stabling yard complex main building structure
  • existing Ausnet Services’ 66kv powerlines
  • whilst also coordinating with other underground existing assets on site

Our qualified Rail Industry Worker (RIW) Accredited Surveyors operated along the entire rail corridor zone with the assistance of a level 3 Rail Safety Warden.

Our surveyors operated successfully on site under significant time pressure knowing that our equipment would need to be removed from the tracks instantly if a train was in bound.

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