What is the purpose of the upcoming work in our area?
The purpose of the project is to strengthen the high voltage power lines connecting Belmont Zone substation to Ngataringa Bay. There has been significant development and population growth in the area, which will continue placing more and more demand on the electricity network. This work is essential to ensure a reliable power supply for everyone in the area.
When will the work take place?
The project is scheduled to take place from approximately 15 April 2024 to March 2025. However, the exact dates of work may vary depending on when we receive access approvals from Auckland Transport and weather conditions.
Who is carrying out the work?
The civil work will be completed by Stockman General Contractors Limited, while the cabling will be handled by Northpower Limited, both working on behalf of Vector.
What is the nature of the civil work that you will be undertaking?
The civil work includes a combination of directional drilling and open trenching to install new ducts. Most of the work will happen between 7am-7pm, Monday to Friday, pending AT approval, with noise levels expected to remain low to minimal, intermittently during these times. Noise mitigation measures, such as noise mats will be used when required to minimise disturbances.
How will the traffic management measures affect my daily commute?
Traffic management measures, including one-way detours, ‘stop go’ lane diversions, and occasional island closures, will be implemented to ensure the safety of both drivers and construction crews. While these measures may cause some inconvenience, we are committed to minimising disruptions as much as possible. Detailed information about how these traffic management plans will affect specific routes and access to homes and businesses will be provided closer to the time of implementation on each route.
How will emergency services be able to continue operating in the area with these road closures in place?
We’re working closely with emergency response agencies to ensure they have access despite the road closures. In the event emergency services need to access the area, specific procedures are in place to ensure their smooth passage through the work zone. These measures are in line with our commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that essential services can operate effectively during the project.
How will power outages be managed?
Planned power outages will be required to complete some of the work, and affected customers will receive specific information about the dates and times of the outages at least 10 days beforehand. We'll use large generators to provide power to as many households as possible, but due to factors like distance from the generators or technical limitations, some individual houses may still be without power for some periods of time.
Who can I contact if I have further questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming work, please contact Lisa Jenkins of Stockman General Contractors Limited on mobile 021 329 982 or email lisa@sgc.co.nz. Additionally, you can reach out to Vector's Customer Service Team for assistance at 0508 832 867.
Was conducting night works considered an option for Lake Road, considering its already heavily congested?
While we understand the concern regarding the congestion on Lake Road, conducting night works was not feasible for this project due to the nature of the work involved. The installation of new ducts requires careful precision and attention, which may be compromised during night-time operations, and the noise generated from drilling activities could potentially disturb nearby residents during late hours, leading to further disruptions. However, in certain circumstances, we are open to considering night work. Following discussions with relevant authorities and considering factors such as traffic flow and community impact, we may schedule critical tasks during night-time hours. This decision aims to minimise disruptions to daytime activities and prioritise the safety and efficiency of our project.
How will updates on the project's progress or any delays in the timeline be communicated?
Communication channels, including face-to-face interactions, emails, phone calls, and customer letters, will ensure that impacted residents are kept informed throughout the duration of the project, including of any changes to timelines.
Impacted residents will also receive timely notifications regarding planned power outages, confirming dates and times at least 10 days prior to the outage. Additionally, residents will receive detailed information about traffic management plans and their specific impact closer to the time of implementation.
What measures are in place to ensure safety during the construction period?
Safety is our top priority during the construction period. We have rigorous safety protocols in place to protect both pedestrians and drivers. Traffic controllers will be stationed on-site to assist with traffic flows as needed, ensuring safe passage for all road users. Additionally, our construction crews are trained to adhere to strict safety guidelines and procedures. The work site will be appropriately cordoned to ensure restricted access, further enhancing safety measures.
We understand the importance of maintaining a safe environment for everyone involved, and we are committed to upholding the highest safety standards throughout the duration of the project.