Nightcliff powerlines to be demolished

The Streetscapes of Nightcliff are about to undergo a radical facelift as the Power and Water Corporation begins removal of powerlines and power poles.

The first group of powerlines and power poles are scheduled for demolition/removal from 19 March 2007.

Demolition works will start at the Nightcliff Road boundary and work towards the jetty. Powerlines will be coming down in Aralia St (part of), Casuarina Dve (part of), Jacaranda Ave, Walker St, Cedar St, Rankin St, Sheoak St, Mimosa St, Banksia St (part of) and Jacksonia Cct.

The works are part of the Northern Territory Government’s commitment to develop undergrounding of powerlines across suburban Darwin.

The Power and Water Corporation began undergrounding works in May 2004 in Nightcliff and works have been completed to around 700 properties. Work in neighbouring suburb Rapid Creek began in October 2006. With around 675 properties in this suburb, 138 of the first 341 properties have been completed in terms of directional boring into properties to install electricity and telecommunications conduits.

The project is unique in many aspects - one being that it is funded by both the Northern Territory Government and the Power and Water Corporation.

Residents have not been asked directly to contribute to the project.

Another unique aspect is the multi-duct system built in a wide but shallow trench in which conduits are laid and subsequently embedded in cement stabilised sand and then mechanically protected by a concrete footpath cast over the trench.

The project is overseen by Power and Water Corporation but managed by a Managing Contractor (Nilsen Electric NT) who is responsible for the design, procurement and construction components and managing the subcontractors carrying out such work.

Telstra has also joined the project in Rapid Creek, undergrounding their telecommunication network at the same time. Both Power and Water and Telstra will benefit from this cooperation, as it will reduce duplicated works. The residents in Rapid Creek will also benefit from this synergy, minimising the disruption they may experience during construction works.
Undergrounding of powerlines will protect the lines and supply from external factors such as falling trees and cyclonic weather. Reliability of supply and the life expectancy of the lines are also expected to increase dramatically.

Contact:
Tracie McPherson,
Media Manager,
Corporate Communications
0401 117 599 or 8985 8481