With the transformer arriving at Port Sutton Bridge our team carried out all port services including stevedoring, lift plans, crane hire and CPA Contract Lift by mobile crane, discharging the 8.6m L x 4.91m W x 4.75m H cargo from the hold of the vessel to our Scheuerle girder bridge.
At 8am one April morning, under Lincolnshire Police and private escort, wheels began to roll. Having liaised with constabularies and authorities throughout the extensive planning, our team ensured that all permits and notifications were in place ahead of the project. Alongside this, our team issued advanced notifications to local residents and ensured pre-arranged parking restrictions along the entire length of West Bank Road, allowing the 66m long, 4.8m high loaded combination to safely exit Port Sutton Bridge. After performing the first of several contraflow manoeuvres, the convoy joined the A17 for onward transport.
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Throughout the 78-mile route our team travelled through Long Sutton, Holbeach, Spalding, Peterborough, Stilton and Alconbury before arriving late afternoon at the Eaton Socon Substation entrance. Taking into account the 42.5m rigid length of the vehicle, our team undertook extensive swept path analysis and street furniture removal requirements to ensure safe passage of the convoy. With all this comprehensive preparation taking place ahead of the project the loaded girder bridge safely navigated the route, with additional circumnavigation and reversing manoeuvres employed at the highlighted pinch points.
Throughout the planning and delivery of the project our team liaised closely with National Grid, Lincolnshire Police, local Authorities, Highways England and their agent Kier to ensure a seamless delivery. With all this in-depth planning in place, our team expertly delivered the project ensuring the 170 Tonne cargo arrived at the Eaton Socon installation site for final installation.
Once at the site entrance, the pre-positioned trackway allowed for access to the substation grounds for delivery. With the girder bridge in position, the Collett Heavy Lift Team completed jacking & skidding operations to manoeuvre the 170 Tonne transformer to the awaiting plinth.
The 170 Tonne transformer will form part of the connection between the Eaton Socon and Little Barford Substations. The overall project will see equipment from the 1960's replaced which, in turn, will increase the capacity and help better secure the supply of electricity to homes and businesses in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire areas.
A short video detailing the cargo's journey to Eaton is available below.
