No room for error in Tokoroa Feeder Cable Upgrades

MDD was contracted by Downer Energy to help upgrade multiple power cables supplying residential and commercial properties in the northern suburbs of Tokoroa. The local geology presents challenges for drilling, characterized by substantial areas of rhyolite and other hard rock formations. Trenching and duct installs was also needed within the substation boundary and close to live high voltage equipment

The project scope involves the installation of five distinct 11kV and 33kV power cables between the Whakuru Street Substation and transformers located on Kauri Street, Dalmaney Street, Baird Road, and Hinau Street. The majority of the cable installation necessitated the directional drilling of multiple 125mm PE duct along residential streets, through several reserves, and beneath the main trunk railway. All works required ongoing coordination and planning with Downer, Powerco, the local council and Kiwirail.

In total over 1,600 metres of cable and 1,500 metres of PE and PVC duct was successfully installed.

In areas where the rhyolite formations posed significant challenges, additional trenching was necessary. This was especially the case on Kauri Street, where rock formation meant 160 metres of install required trenching across residential driveways and a reserve. Despite encountering considerable hurdles with aging services, particularly with outdated water pipes in the trench alignments, our team successfully installed ducts and hauled cables to all designated locations.