Power Supply Upgrade

Project overview

The AC Feeder Upgrade Project is part of the Power Supply Upgrade which is designed to meet expected power requirements for Sydney's future rail network and the new fleet of trains.

The work involves upgrades to High Voltage feeders as well as the construction of new infrastructure across the network. The AC Feeder Upgrade Project team is carrying out work to install new power poles and remove existing power poles at various locations along Polo Street, Bransgrove Road, Albert Street and Milperra Road in Revesby and Mons Street, Eldridge Road and Northam Avenue in Bankstown. Work is also taking place within the rail corridor between Bankstown and Yagoona Stations.

TfNSW is committed to minimising impact to the community. Some work activities will cause minor disruption, such as noise and kerbside parking impacts. Access to properties will be maintained, however partial lane closures, involving access delays to driveways will be required to safely carry out this work. We will do everything we can to lessen the disturbance where possible.

Why are power poles being replaced in this area?

Additional poles will be installed along the alignment to mitigate the safety risk and any potential power outages in the Sydney Trains network. Put simply, a conductor is an electricity cable. For safety purposes, the new power poles being installed are designed to support the requirement of additional weight and to bear the new tension of twin conductors. The new conductors do not supply electricity directly to your home.

Installing the new power poles in a separate location to existing power poles creates a stronger and more durable electrical feeder and minimises the impacts of construction activity to the community.

How are the locations of new power poles decided?

Extensive desktop and on-site investigations were carried out to determine the location where power poles are to be installed and removed. A wide variety of factors were considered, including the condition of the existing poles, the location of driveways and houses, environmental impacts such as trees and other vegetation, and the location of existing utilities and underground services.

Additionally, the accessibility for installation and ongoing maintenance of poles and conductors and the swing of conductors during high wind scenarios were also requirements of the design. For safety reasons, conductors are not permitted above any structures such as houses. Safe distances from traffic lanes and homes, feedback from asset owners such as energy providers, and a wide variety of technical requirements were also considered. Prior to final approvals, the design underwent an extensive review process.

How is the conductor strung between each pole?

A cable winch and pulley system is used to string the conductors between each power pole. Old conductors are lowered in a controlled manner to the ground and removed. The new conductors are then tensioned to minimise the risk of sagging.

How will I know when you are working near my property?

The network alignment runs between the northern end of Northam Avenue in Bankstown down through to the southern end of Polo Street in Revesby. The work is carried out in numerous stages on a rolling basis

How big is the work area for a power pole?

To safely carry out this work, traffic control and signage will be in place. At each work area, kerbside parking will be temporarily unavailable 1-2 days prior to work commencing and while work is being carried out. Lane or road closures will be in place closest to the work area to ensure the safety of the community. Access to properties will be maintained, however for safety reasons, there may be delays for short periods of time.

For your safety, please plan your movement in advance and follow the signage and the direction of traffic control.

Access to properties maybe delayed for short periods of time (typically less than 10 minutes). Traffic controllers will assist provide access.

A partial lane closure will be in place closest to each work area. Traffic controllers and signage will be in place to safely guide and assist motorists and pedestrians.

What are the work hours?

Work will be carried out during standard construction hours, between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and between 7am and 1pm on Saturdays. If work is planned near your property outside of these times you will be notified beforehand.

What is the installation and removal process?

Stage 1

Underground service investigation and non-destructive digging are carried out to validate, inspect and detect underground services that conflict with  the temporary design.

Stage 2

An auger is used to drill a hole where the new pole is installed. Then, the hole will be covered, and safety fencing is placed around the area until the pole is installed.

Stage 3

1. The new power pole is delivered to the site, installed, and existing conductors are transferred from the existing pole to the new power pole. Depending on construction staging, new twin conductors are installed during this time or later. During this process, for safety purposes all kerbside parking will be temporarily unavailable. If the existing power pole is not hosting other assets, this pole will be removed at the time of the new pole being installed.

2. Other assets (including Ausgrid and Telco) will remain on the existing pole until a later date when the asset owners will transfer their asset.

3. Following the transfer of all assets, existing power poles will be removed.

To carry out the power pole installation and removal works safely, a power outage is necessary during Stage 3 of the works. The energy provider will schedule this power outage, which may be up to 8 hours, and will separately distribute a notification specific for this outage.

Download the Fact Sheet (PDF, 1.04 MB)